Ben Fogle opens up about emotional ADHD diagnosis and 'overwhelming' tears on new show Into The Congo

Virgin Radio

19 Feb 2024, 12:05

Adventurer Ben Fogle has revealed his emotional recent ADHD diagnosis and breaking down in tears during his new Channel 5 show Into the Congo.

The TV presenter and former Castaway star has admitted his 'overwhelm' at the health discovery following a 'mental health crisis' — and how his new programme pulled at his heartstrings.

Arriving in the rainforest during episode one, which aired on Channel 5 at 9pm last night (Sunday 18 February), he is welcomed by the The Mbendjele BaYaka tribe as they perform for him.

The dad-of-two admitted: "I can't even talk. I haven't even got there and I'm overwhelmed."

On the intense journey, he said: "My visit to the Congo was at a personal moment of internal chaos.

"To see the simplicity and the beauty and the raw love of that welcome... I was completely overwhelmed.

"If I think back to it now tears will start rolling down my face. The joyousness that I experienced in the Congo was unlike anything I had ever experienced anywhere else in the world."

Having been diagnosed with ADHD recently, he told fans: "I don't think I've ever had to hold back tears so much and I was really surprised by my reaction."

On social media, he revealed: "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 my 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. I have ADHD but I am still me.

"I had what a lot of people call burnout last year. I was pushing myself too hard, with too high expectations. That coincided with seeking a little bit of help and actually getting a clinical diagnosis of what I’ve known for a long time, that I had ADHD.

"I don't think it should define you but it explains why I am often really enthusiastic about things because my emotions are extreme high and very rarely extreme low.

"Because of this little burnout I entered that low which I’d never had in my entire life and that’s why I was able to understand how my brain works.

"It was just luck I went off to the Congo in the midst of all that. No therapist, no medicine could ever be as powerful as spending time with those beautiful people.

"When I walked into the Mbendjele settlement and they all danced. I don't think I have ever experienced anything so moving. That welcome was not just for TV. There was nothing put on. It’s the most emotional series I have ever done."

Catch Into The Congo with Ben Fogle on Sunday at 9pm on Channel 5 and My5.