14 February 2024 , 18:00
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Ben Fogle has revealed he has been diagnosed with ADHD - winning support from fans who say he has encouraged them to seek diagnoses of their own.
The 50-year-old television presenter said a ‘mental health storm’ caused him to check in with his doctor to seek help. He said he was ‘struggling’ before his diagnosis - and that being told he has attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, ADHD, has helped calm him. Ben - who first found fame on the BBC reality show Castaway 2000 at the turn of the century - says he believes his creativity and empathy are enhanced by the condition.
ADHD affects people’s behaviours and can cause difficulty concentrating and focusing, or cause hyperactivity and impulsiveness. It can be treated with medications and therapy treatments and while it cannot be cured, it can be managed with treatment. Ben opened up about his diagnosis by sharing a post on social media.
Ben has been in the spotlight since he appeared on the BBC reality show Castaway in the year 2000 (Press Association)He wrote via Instagram: "I hate labels. I always have. The idea that a single word defines us is too binary and lacks the nuances that distinguish us. We are more than a sweeping binary word. I am privileged but I am also compassionate. I am a public figure but I am also quite shy. I am dyslexic and an award winning writer. You get the message."
Ben continued: "The same can be said of our unique neurological differences. I have recently been diagnosed with ADHD *cue eye rolling* I admit to my own cynicism but the reality is that I have changed neurologically. A recent mental health storm was the catalyst for my diagnosis. I feel different and have done for some time. Some aspects of life had become more of a struggle, but with a diagnosis comes understanding and reason. Maybe it is my age or perhaps a symptom of something more complex in wider society.
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"I have ADHD but I am still me. It is not an excuse for me nor a reason to be cautious around me for others. It does not make me fragile, just vulnerable. Like all of us. I might be slightly neurotically different but that is also what makes us unique. It enhances my creativity and empathy." He concluded: "Neurological individuality makes me who I am and I am proud of that. To have a clinical diagnosis helps me understand who I am. It explains my weaknesses as well as my strengths. Love, peace and individuality."
Ben’s message was met with a wall of support from his social media followers - with many sending encouraging messages. One fan wrote in reply: “It’s actually a superpower when you harness it. It absolutely makes a lot of things harder, but it also can mean incredible talents and achievements!” And another typed: “Oh Ben what a fantastic post - you are so down to earth and express yourself and what so many of us think so well. You are always so balanced and positive in your posts and I love that.”
And others shared that they planned to seek an assessment for themselves. One follower shared: “This is a breath of fresh air to me. Thank you, Ben. I, too, believe I have ADHD, but I'm too afraid of doing anything about it for fear of bring mocked or told I'm making it up... Your post has given me the incentive to pick up that phone and start the slightly terrifying journey towards a diagnosis and hopefully the right help. Thank you."