Heston Blumenthal says he ‘wouldn’t be here’ if his wife hadn’t sectioned him
Stay Ahead: Your Weekly Trend Guide
Stay Informed With Our Weekly Trend Guide
"Stay Updated: Weekly Trends In Fashion & Life"
I would like to receive emails regarding promotions, events, and news from The Independent. Please take a look at our privacy policy.
In a recent interview, Heston Blumenthal has shared his experiences with mental health challenges, speaking openly and honestly about his struggles.
The 58-year-old British chef, famous for his adventurous creations like bacon and egg ice cream and snail porridge, was diagnosed with bipolar disorder after being admitted to a facility in November 2023 by his wife, Melanie Ceysson.
In a "What I've Learned" interview with The Times, Blumenthal mentioned, "My wife had to take drastic action to get me hospitalized after I went through several episodes of severe manic behavior. It reached a stage where, if she hadn’t intervened, I might not have made it."
"With all the extreme ups and downs, it can be really challenging for those nearby. I can't keep bothering her to wake up just because I have this concept for a smart mattress that could guide you to the bathroom during the night."
He mentioned, "The psychiatric hospital felt almost like a jail. It was quite depressing and left me feeling confused. After two weeks, I was transferred to a lovely, soothing environment. In total, I spent two months in treatment."
Blumenthal shared that his relationship with Ceysson has helped him embrace himself completely, imperfections included.
When discussing his bipolar disorder, he mentioned that cooking had served as a way to conceal the condition for many years.
"One year after receiving the diagnosis, I keep discovering moments from the past that clearly show signs of bipolar disorder. I matched every criterion," he stated.
Years ago, I was diagnosed with ADHD. I suspect I might have PTSD as well. However, the idea of being bipolar didn't cross my mind until I ended up in the hospital.
I was always presenting my team with fresh ideas. When experiencing a manic phase of bipolar disorder, I felt an exhilarating sense of possibility, as if I could transform the world and saw beauty in everything around me. However, I knew that such highs were often followed by lows.
During a BBC Newsnight interview on Tuesday, November 12, Blumenthal expressed his concern that watching the TV series The Bear, which vividly portrays the high-stress environment of a restaurant, might provoke a bipolar episode.
"I have a few well-known chefs who are friends and have helped out with this project, so I'm sure it's quite authentic," he mentioned. "I'm looking forward to watching it eventually, but right now, it’s just not the right time."
Bipolar disorder is a mental health issue characterized by significant shifts in mood. It can be treated effectively with medication and therapy.
Blumenthal operates several restaurants, such as the Fat Duck, which has three Michelin stars, Dinner by Heston Blumenthal, which holds two Michelin stars, the Hind’s Head, which also has a Michelin star, and the Perfectionists’ Café.
If this article resonates with you or has impacted you in any way, you can reach out to these organizations for assistance: actiononaddiction.org.uk, mind.org.uk, nhs.uk/livewell/mentalhealth, and mentalhealth.org.uk.
If you're feeling overwhelmed or finding it hard to manage your emotions, you can reach out to the Samaritans for support. You can call them confidentially at 116 123 (available in the UK and ROI), send an email to [email protected], or check their website for information on the closest branch to you.
If you're in the United States and you or someone you care about is in need of mental health support immediately, reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). This service is free and confidential, and it's accessible to anyone at any time, day or night, all week long.
If you're in a different country, you can visit www.befrienders.org to locate a nearby helpline.
