Johnny Vegas admits he had a 'meltdown' amid his ADHD battle as he reflects on the 'most difficult part of his life' and what saved him

Daily Mail​

2 days ago

has admitted he had a 'meltdown' amid his ADHD battle as the comedian, 54, opened up about the most challenging year of his life.
The actor and comedian's upcoming two-part Channel 4 show sees him create a piece of art for his hometown, St. Helens, in Merseyside.
However during filming, the star was rocked by a shock health diagnosis as he discovered he had ADHD.
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a behavioural condition defined by inattentiveness, hyperactivity and impulsiveness.
And now Johnny has opened up about the 'most difficult time of his life' and how his art saved him.
He told The Mirror: 'I went into meltdown, I couldn't function. It seemed insurmountable. I had to get professional help. This has been the most difficult part of my life. But the art saved me.'
Explaining how the noise in his brain stops when he is working on his art he continued: 'With ADHD, when everyone else is going to bed, my brain goes, "It's just you and me now".
'It lives to work against you. But the one time the white noise stops, the one time I can focus, the one time that having ADHD is good for you is art. The world makes sense when I am working on my art.'
Johnny took a year off work amid his health battle before he returned for his debut art exhibition.
His new documentary, titled Johnny Vegas: Art, ADHD and Me, will see the star embark on a 'creative endeavour' that ends up being a 'journey of self-discovery'.
The documentary delves into 'an honest and heartfelt conversation about mental health and understanding yourself'.
Previously speaking about the new show, Johnny revealed he was once a 'dedicated wannabe ceramicist'.
He said: 'I used to sit at a potter's wheel on stage. People thought it was a gimmick but I actually started out as a dedicated wannabe ceramicist.
'Art was my educational saviour. Over years of witnessing what felt like an ongoing decline in educational commitment to the very same arts I felt it was time I threw my hat back into the ring.
'To kickstart a debate about culture in general, whilst giving something of a visual a symbol of gratitude back to my honestly beloved town.'
Channel 4 boss Shaminder Nahal revealed the documentary had been filmed over years and added: 'This series brings to life the power of art for everyone – how it can soothe, help, energise and inspire.
'Beautifully filmed over several years by Eddie Stafford, the series showcases Johnny's unique humour, heart and passion – uncovering the intricacies and demands of artistic process along the way.
'It's an enlightening, eye-opening and emotional journey.'
WHAT IS ADHD?
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a behavioural condition defined by inattentiveness, hyperactivity and impulsiveness.
It affects around five per cent of children in the US. Some 3.6 per cent of boys and 0.85 per cent of girls suffer in the UK.
Symptoms typically appear at an early age and become more noticeable as a child grows. These can also include:
Constant fidgeting
Poor concentration
Excessive movement or talking
Acting without thinking
Inability to deal with stress
Little or no sense of danger
Careless mistakes
Mood swings
Forgetfulness
Difficulty organising tasks
Continually starting new tasks before finishing old ones
Inability to listen or carry out instructions
Most cases are diagnosed between six and 12 years old. Adults can also suffer, but there is less research into this.
ADHD's exact cause is unclear but is thought to involve genetic mutations that affect a person's brain function and structure.
Premature babies and those with epilepsy or brain damage are more at risk.
ADHD is also linked to anxiety, depression, insomnia, Tourette's and epilepsy.
There is no cure.
A combination of medication and therapy is usually recommended to relieve symptoms and make day-to-day life easier.