Nicholas Pinnock, known for his role in the BBC drama Two Weeks in August, has revealed that therapy "saved my life" after he suffered a second breakdown in 2023. Speaking to Radio Times, the actor opened up about the impact his mental health has had on his personal life and career.
Breakdown and Treatment
Pinnock said he had another breakdown in 2023 and was close to experiencing another the following year. He subsequently spent six weeks at a residential trauma facility in Nashville, having originally planned to stay for four weeks.
"I had another breakdown in 2023," he said. "And I was almost going to have another one in 2024. I ended up in a facility in Nashville for originally four weeks, but stayed for six weeks. It not only changed my life, it saved my life."
Preparing for Role in Fightland
The actor said the experience was crucial in helping him take on the demanding role of Kingsley in Fightland. He explained that without the residential treatment, ongoing therapy and support from his psychiatrist, he would not have been emotionally or psychologically equipped to portray the character.
"I'm telling you this, because prior to that stay in the residential facility for trauma, and without extensive therapy that I have here with my therapist, along with the guidance from my psychiatrist, I wouldn't have been able to play Kingsley," he said. "I don't think I had the emotional, mental and psychological capacity to hold who he was in my body."
Mental Health Advocacy
Pinnock has previously spoken about his mental health struggles and has become an advocate for awareness. He has served as an ambassador for the mental health charity MIND, calling the work "one of my proudest achievements."
"I think responsibility comes with fame, and although I never set out to be famous, it seems I am headed in that direction so it's something I'm going to use to the best of my ability to help those who don't have a voice," he told House Collective.
Fightland airs on Thursday, August 27 from 9pm on Sky Atlantic.
