I'm A Celebrity star says 'I don't think I'd want to be here' as they open up on health
Darren Day has opened up about the significant difference his ADHD diagnosis and subsequent treatment have made to his life, after years of battling with misdiagnoses.
The West End actor, 56, who has candidly discussed his addiction and mental health challenges, shared his experience of being diagnosed on Good Morning Britain last Friday.
Discussing the matter with Rob Rinder and Kate Garraway, he said: "I talk openly about it because when I do talk about it on social media, I get so many people asking me and I can point them in the right direction now."
Day explained how he had been labelled with various conditions: "I was diagnosed with a lot of different qualifications, I call them."
During the interview, he disclosed past diagnoses of borderline personality disorder, bipolar type 2, high scores for Asperger's syndrome and indications of autism.
Admitting the difficulty with his condition, he remarked: "All of them, my head is wonky."
Kate weighed in on his comment, noting: "You say wonky, but that is what neurodiversity is."
When Kate queried whether his many conditions were perhaps inaccurately diagnosed, Darren acknowledged: "Perhaps, some people think that."
He went on to reveal how desperate things had become: "In November last year I was taking about 17 pills a day, and I'm going to be level with you, I thought that if it wasn't for me being a dad and having a great partner and great family, and the devastation it would cause my loved ones, I don't think I'd want to be here anymore."
He shared the extent of his frustration: "It got that bad, I was thinking, 'I'm taking 17 pills a day so I shouldn't be feeling like this'."
Following advice to check for ADHD, Darren found that he scored a staggering 96 out of 100.
In February, Darren started on ADHD medication and claims it revolutionised his life in just five days.
"It changed my life, my head was quiet for the first time in 20 years, I'm focused," he revealed.
The I'm A Celebrity star also noted that it had a significant effect on his stage presence and couldn't overstate the transformation the medication brought about.
"I've probably had it forever, but then things happen in our lives, traumas and stuff, that make the symptoms worse, but I promise you, I know there's people that are sceptical about it, I probably was if I'm completely honest," he continued, emphasising the positive impact of his diagnosis and treatment.
"I want to try and give people what I've got - a peace and quietness in my head that I've not experienced in so long, maybe ever."
Darren also opened up about his battle with addiction and a 2018 relapse that led to Robbie Williams "saving" his life.
"I was in a really bad place," he recounted, recalling a moment when he broke down while driving.
After reaching out to the Take That star, who assured him, "Leave it all to me," Darren emotionally acknowledged: "Here I am today. I wouldn't be here without Rob."
Reflecting on his journey in a recent chat with The Express, Darren spoke about how his ADHD meds have supported his sobriety.
He commented: "I'm very strong in my sobriety now, and there's quiet in my head, there's less chaos. It makes sobriety easier. I don't feel the need to self-medicate.
"Everything has changed. In last three months I've been in the best place I've been in for 25 years. I thank God every day I get up. I love going to work, I love being with my kids, I love speaking spending time with my partner Sophie – we live in Brentwood, Essex, now.
"I feel like a weight has lifted, I'm in a good place and I'm really happy people still want to come and see me. I put everything into what I'm doing."
Good Morning Britain airs weekdays from 6am on ITV1.
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