Dr Chris Steele has opened up about depression.
The TV doctor, who has worked as ITV This Morning’s resident doctor since the show first aired back in 1988, opened up on yesterday’s show about mental health, revealing that he has battle with his own in the past.
Dr Chris sat down with regular hosts Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby to talk about his past battle with depression, claiming that he is “living proof” that antidepressants work.
“I’ve had depression a couple of times, quite bad,” he told Holly and Phil. “The problem is when you start the treatment you’re on a low ebb. Most of the treatment takes a few weeks to kick in.
“One day of depression is an eternity,’ he continued, “and then another day and another day.
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He went on to describe how he felt at his lowest ebb early in the morning, explaining:
The This Morning regular went on to explain how he would feel his lowest early in the morning, saying, “The awful thing for me was you have sleep disturbance and can’t get off to sleep. You have early morning awakening.
“It’s 4am, it’s dark, you’re left with your mind that has dark thoughts. It’s very difficult.
The professional doctor went on to admit that he realised he needed to get help when he started to lose interest in things he would usually love.
“Loss of interest in family, friends, hobbies, reading, work,” he said. “I found a loss of interest in humour.”
“I love Billy Connolly. Going through this spell of depression I didn’t find him funny at all. You just don’t care. No interest.”
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However, he went on to discuss the efficacy of the antidepressant medication that he started to take, explaining that while “they didn’t suddenly bring me back,” they did slowly start to work well.
He spoke out, advising viewers to make sure that they speak to someone and seek help if they start to experience mental health difficulties.
“The earlier we intervene with education the quicker you get back to normal. Antidepressants do work. I’m living proof.”
Fans took to Twitter to praise the medical professional on opening up on the difficult topic, with one writing, ‘Thank You Dr Chris for being honest about Antidepressants. Unfortunately some of us will be on them for life and must stop being ashamed as if we were unclean’.
Others added, ‘Bless him, it shows mental health can affect us all, hope you get through it soon Doc ♥️👍😀😀’ and ‘great info on antidepressants with Dr Chris. #bekindtoeveryone #MentalHealthAwareness’.
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