Nicky Campbell discusses how sudden collapse led to life-changing diagnosis
Nicky Campbell was given a life-changing diagnosis after he suffered a terrifying collapse at a train station.
The 62-year-old presenter of ITV's Long Lost Family was interacting with callers on his BBC radio show, Mid-morning, which airs via BBC Radio 5 Live. During a recent episode, he reflected on a terrifying health scare that he endured back in 2013.
The presenter was at Euston station in London when he suddenly collapsed - leaving him concerned for his personal health. He went to seek out treatment from a specialist and was surprised to learn that he had bipolar disorder - a condition his birth mother also had. Those who live with bipolar disorder endure episodes of depression as well as euphoric episodes of mania - and those with the condition can take medication to regulate their mood swings.
Nicky was later diagnosed with Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, ADHD - a condition that can also affect people's behaviour. Symptoms of ADHD can include finding it difficult to concentrate or focus attention as well as hyperactivity and impulsiveness. Medications are also available to help those with the condition.
Nicky has credited his dog, Maxwell, with helping to keep himself calm (Nicky Campbell)Nicky has shared more about his experience with both conditions with fellow television and radio host Gabby Logan on The Mid Point podcast. He revealed he is taking medications to help him navigate the conditions - and also reflected on the day he collapsed.
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He told the podcast that medications and his dog, Maxwell, have helped him, explaining: "When I had my breakdown, he was incredible. When I collapsed at Euston station sobbing on grass that used to be there when everything got on top of me. [My wife] Tina said, 'Come home come home' and he [the dog] was there, and you know when they put their heads on your chest and stuff like that. He's been amazing… I got through it, ish, there are still ups and downs, but it's kind of under control.”
Nicky has been married to newsreader Tina Ritchie since 1997 and together they share daughters Breagha, Lilla, Kirsty and Isla. He opened up about the impact his condition had on his family.
Nicky said: "I remember the girls saying, 'When we were that age we thought, Oh daddy's started weeping and crying for no reason'. That really got to me when they said that but now they understand." After his diagnosis, Nicky had discovered more about his birth mother, who gave him up for adoption when he was four days old, as he realised she had been diagnosed with bipolar disorder as well.
His birth mother sent Christmas cards for the first five years of his life, they didn’t have any direct contact until they met in a Dublin hotel when Nicky was 29 in 1990. In his autobiography, One of the Family, Nicky revealed he kept many unopened letters from his birth mother.
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