James Acaster has spoken candidly about his mental health struggles as he appears on Celebrity Traitors, revealing that he experienced serious suicidal thoughts for the first time in 2017 after a relationship breakdown.
The comedian, 41, says therapy and listening to albums from 2016 helped him understand his mental health and get his career back on track. However, reports have emerged that filming for Celebrity Traitors was paused when he became "very anxious" on set and began to panic during production.
Struggles After Relationship Split
Speaking previously on the Perfect Sounds podcast, Acaster described the period after his relationship ended eight years ago. "That was when I started having serious suicidal thoughts for the first time," he said. "I didn’t attempt it. I was in New York, the first time I’d ever been, which should have been really exciting."
He added: "Instead I’d find myself thinking about ways I could kill myself. That scared me. I’m very lucky, personality-wise, that as soon as I recognise something needs doing, I’ll do it. So as soon as I got back to England I booked a therapy session."
Therapy and Ongoing Support
Acaster has credited the power of talking with turning his life around. Asked a couple of years ago if he still attends therapy, he said: "I tend to go every other week. There is still some stuff I want to figure out and understand a bit more."
He continued: "There have been three points in my life where things have fallen apart. I’d be pretty naïve to think it won’t happen again. What I’d like is to understand why those three times happened, so if it happens again I can be more on top of it. I’m enjoying my career and my relationship…I’m not crippled by anxiety or waking up depressed. While I’m lucky enough to be in this happy period in my life, I’d like to understand those periods of my life when I wasn’t happy, so I’m more prepared if it happens again."
Anxiety on Set
Fans voiced concerns after news broke that Acaster became "very anxious" on the Celebrity Traitors set. A source said: "The show is incredibly intense and during one particular scene at the castle, James became very anxious and panicked."
The insider added: "Some of the other celebrities on the show spoke up and said cameras should stop rolling so he could calm down, and production were in agreement as well. Everyone looks out for each other and there is a proper sense of camaraderie. It was good for James to have a breather, as everyone felt it was for the best."
A spokesperson for The Traitors said: "The Traitors is a unique and immersive game, and we recognise that taking part can be intense at times. Our highest priority is always the safety and welfare of everyone taking part. Players are closely monitored and supported throughout by production, which includes a dedicated and experienced welfare team."
