Television presenter and bestselling author Fern Britton has bravely opened up about her mental health struggles, revealing that antidepressants and therapy have been crucial in keeping her alive. The 68-year-old former This Morning host spoke candidly on the Postcards From Midlife podcast about her long-term battle with depression and suicidal thoughts.
Fern Britton's Mental Health Journey
Fern, who separated from TV chef Phil Vickery in 2020, shared how antidepressants have helped her over the years. 'I'm very lucky that antidepressants did work for me and I've been on and off over the years,' she said. 'And 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 emphasised the importance of finding the right medication and having a good doctor. 'If you find the right one, and you have a good doctor, then it will work. Trust the process and see how that goes.'
The Role of Talking Therapy
In addition to medication, Fern has relied heavily on 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, and my therapist is a psychoanalyst and she is so good,' she explained.
She described the impact of her sessions: 'You do an hour with her and you've either fallen into floods of tears and loads of tissues or you come out thinking, 'Oh my goodness, ok, that's interesting' and she doesn't pull any punches.'
Suicidal Thoughts and Survival
Fern revealed that without her therapist, she might not be alive today. 'Without her, there have been times when I didn't think I would be around. I've always had a strange suicidality, even when I was little, I wasn't frightened of death.'
She described experiencing suicidal thoughts even on good days. '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.''
However, Fern reassured listeners that being able to talk about her feelings means she knows she will never act on them. 'Because now I can say it, I know it's not going to happen, it's never going to happen.'
For emotional support, you can call the Samaritans 24-hour helpline on 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org, visit a Samaritans branch in person or go to the Samaritans website.
