Celeb chef Heston Blumenthal reveals agonizing details of 'mania' that left him detained for three weeks

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LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM: Heston Blumenthal, the acclaimed English celebrity chef and owner of Berkshire's Michelin-star restaurant Fat Duck in Bray, recently opened up about the harrowing experience that led to his hospitalization and subsequent diagnosis of bipolar disorder, as per The Daily Mail.

In a candid interview with The Financial Times, the 58-year-old revealed the disturbing early signs of the manic episode that ultimately saw him sectioned in a psychiatric hospital for three weeks last November. 

Heston Blumenthal opens up about battle with bipolar disorder

Heston Blumenthal described the onset of his illness as a series of "extreme highs," hallucinations, and suicidal thoughts, all exacerbated by severe sleep deprivation, with some nights allowing for just one or two hours of rest.

These symptoms spiraled out of control, culminating in a vivid hallucination where he believed "there was a gun on the table," prompting doctors to admit him for urgent care.

Blumenthal has been diagnosed with bipolar one disorder, which involves at least one manic episode. Bipolar two disorder, on the other hand, involves at least one major depressive episode and at least one hypomanic episode (less severe than a full manic episode and typically doesn't require hospitalization). 

Bipolar one can include intense periods of mania that can last for several weeks.

Blumenthal recounted how his manic state fueled a desire to "save the world," adding, "I’d vomit ideas...I was so excited. Talking about making stuff. It was true mania."

Blumenthal, known for his tireless work ethic, now believes that the sleeplessness he experienced early in his career—when he would send emails to colleagues before dawn—may have been an early warning sign of his condition.  

Reflecting on the mood swings he experienced last year, he described the drastic shifts from feeling an overwhelming urge to "love every single person" to becoming furious over something as minor as someone moving a Post-it note.

"Then bang — I’d get really angry at the world, I wouldn’t mince my words," shared Blumenthal, comparing his mood swings to those of a child.

As his condition worsened, Blumenthal became an "emotional danger to himself" as suicidal thoughts started to emerge, with doctors warning that his sleepless nights and heightened state of excitement posed a potentially lethal risk.

His wife, entrepreneur Melanie Ceysson, described his moods as a "tornado" and recounted the heart-wrenching moment she made the difficult decision to have him sectioned for his own safety.

Ceysson recalled the moment she had to have him hospitalized, saying, "It was when I pushed the red button," describing the experience as "the most horrible hours" of her life.

During an appearance on 'The One Show' in July, Blumenthal elaborated on the distressing situation, noting, "These recurring highs to lows were getting stronger and stronger and more regular. I was on a massive high and had been for several days. I was having hallucinations, feelings of paranoia, and even suicidal thoughts."

He explained, "Melanie made the difficult decision to have me sectioned, which involved me being sedated. There was a knock on the door, there's a policeman, then five firemen, and then a doctor with an assistant and I was like 'What the hell is going on here?' And then I saw the doctor pulling out this big syringe and then I woke up in hospital."

Blumenthal has since spoken out about the importance of understanding bipolar disorder, hoping to shed light on the condition and change the narrative surrounding it.

"Since my diagnosis, I've learned a lot more about myself," shared the star chef, adding, "I've realized that a lot of my creativity is thanks to bipolar. I'm hoping that talking about it can change the way we see the condition and put it in the spotlight for all the right reasons."

He acknowledges the role that milder episodes may have played in his earlier career. Now, he prioritizes sleep and credits medication with stabilizing his mood, allowing him to continue developing his creative ideas in a more balanced way.

Internet shows support as Heston Blumenthal gets candid about his battle with bipolar disorder

Heston Blumenthal's candid disclosure about his experience with hallucinations and bipolar disorder prompted a wave of supportive and empathetic responses online.

One wrote, "You have to admire Heston for having the courage to talk about this very personal thing that happened to him. In talking about it, hopefully, he may have helped somebody recognise something that could be affecting them. I don't use the word very often, but, I think he's been very brave talking about his experience. It must have been a very difficult thing for him (and Melanie) to have to deal with."

Another said, "People with mental illnesses need understanding and prompt help. Their children also need psychological support, as it can be confusing and scary for them too."

"Well done Heston for talking about this. I too was psychotic and after a few episodes /sections I was finally diagnosed with bipolar. I remember feeling embarrassed and didn’t want anyone knowing. This was 2020 I am now well thanks to my meds and remain in work full time. It takes around 9.5 years to diagnose bipolar which saddens me," noted a person. 

Reflecting on the difficulty of recognizing and dealing with manic episodes, an individual expressed, "Poor man. It’s awful not realizing you're in a manic episode and thinking you’re fine. It’s only when you come out of it that you see the reality. I’m glad he has supportive people around him."

Another person offered heartfelt wishes, writing, "Full respect to him for talking about it. It takes so much courage. I wish him and his family well."

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