Gyles Brandreth has revealed he sought therapy after a period of intense personal loss and political setback in the late 1990s. The former Conservative MP, now 78, opened up about his struggles in an interview with SAGA magazine.
Brandreth lost his Chester seat in the 1997 general election, a blow he took personally. He told the magazine: "I was a Conservative MP in the 1990s, and when I lost my seat in 1997, I felt very low. People say you shouldn't take it personally, but of course you do. I felt a real sense of rejection."
The period was also marked by the deaths of his father, his best friend from school, actor Simon Cadell, and two siblings: his brother at 51 and one of his sisters at 61.
Seeking professional help
Brandreth decided to see a psychiatrist after hearing Dr Anthony Clare on the radio. He flew to Dublin for the consultation, which he credits with changing his life.
Since then, he has become a familiar face on This Morning, Good Morning Britain, and the Channel 4 quiz show Countdown.
Lifestyle changes and outlook
He attributes his current wellbeing to continued work and meeting interesting people. He also avoids alcohol and follows a low-carb diet.
The revelation follows his disclosure that his grandson Kitt was diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare cancer, at 15 months old. Kitt has been in remission for eight years after treatment at Great Ormond Street Hospital.
