Fern Britton, the beloved TV presenter and author, has bravely opened up about her mental health struggles, revealing that there were times she did not think she would survive. The 68-year-old former This Morning host spoke candidly on the Postcards From Midlife podcast about her battles with depression and suicidal ideation.
Antidepressants and Therapy: A Lifeline
Fern shared that antidepressants have been a crucial part of her recovery. 'I'm very lucky that antidepressants did work for me, and I've been on and off over the years,' she said. 'It just puts that little bit of sunshine in your head and gives you an opportunity to get a bird's-eye view of what's happening in your life.' She emphasized the importance of finding the right medication under a good doctor's care.
In addition to medication, Fern has undergone talking therapy for over a decade. 'I have had a lot of talking therapy, a lot. I think I'm about 12 or 13 years into this, once a week, for all those years,' she explained. Her psychoanalyst has been instrumental, helping her through difficult moments. 'Without her, there have been times when I didn't think I would be around,' Fern admitted.
Confronting Suicidal Thoughts
Fern revealed that she has experienced 'strange suicidality' since childhood, and even after positive events, she would contemplate ending her life. 'There have been times when, with postnatal depressions, with difficulties at home, difficulties at work, I've often thought, 'Right, everything's settled, everything's sorted, lovely. I've done the show, I've fed the kids, I'll just nip upstairs and kill myself,' she recounted.
However, she now feels safe because she can talk about these feelings openly. 'Because now I can say it, I know it's not going to happen, it's never going to happen,' she reassured listeners.
Fern, who split from ex-husband Phil Vickery in 2020, also expressed regret that therapy is not readily available on the NHS. For anyone in distress, she encouraged reaching out for help. The Samaritans can be contacted 24/7 at 116 123 or via email at jo@samaritans.org.
