Ben Fogle has admitted he turned into a ‘control freak’ after the death of his stillborn son Willem in 2014.

The broadcaster, 51, said his struggle to deal with grief is eventually what led him to a ‘mental health breakdown’ last year, which he has previously opened up about.

Ben’s wife Marina was rushed to hospital in Austria and delivered their stillborn son at just 33 weeks while he was Canada.

He and Marina had already been heartbroken by a miscarriage in 2008 before having their son Ludo, 15, in 2009 and daughter Iona, 14, in 2011.

Ben candidly spoke feeling ‘utterly helpless’ in the aftermath of losing their stillborn in a raw and honest interview with The Sun.

He said: ‘A number of years ago, my wife and I lost a son, who was stillborn. And it’s amazing how you deal with a loss like that. My wife Marina was very raw with her emotions.

Ben Fogle, 51, has admitted he turned into a ‘control freak’ after the death of his stillborn son Willem in 2014 (pictured in 2024)

The broadcaster said his struggle to deal with grief is eventually what led him to a ‘mental health breakdown’ last year, which he has previously opened up about previously

‘Mine were much more measured. It doesn’t mean I felt it any less, but I probably kept them within. And one of the big things that happened to me was that I became obsessed about control, because I’d lost control there.

‘I was actually in Canada when it happened, and I had to take a flight to get back. I didn’t know if my wife was going to survive. It was like one of the periods in my life, I’ve had a few, when I had lost all control.’

Last year, Ben candidly shared he battled ‘crippling paranoia and anxiety,’ during his ‘mental health breakdown’, as he offered insight into the various methods he used to aid in his recovery.

Ben, who previously shared he was diagnosed with ADHD in the wake of the crisis, said that he used cognitive behavioural therapy and medicine’ to help him heal from the ‘storm,’ as well as ‘doing less and simplifying his life.’

In a lengthy Instagram post, the travel presenter said that he decided to share his struggles as it felt it was vital to be as open about his mental health woes as he has been about physical ones.

Ben wrote: ‘A year ago I suffered a mental health wobble. An episode. A storm. A blip

‘I don’t know if there is a specific term for it but it was basically a burnt out, break down. I’ve been on quite a journey since. I’ve learnt a lot about my neurological uniquenesses.

Ben’s wife Marina (pictured) was rushed to hospital in Austria and delivered their stillborn son at just 33 weeks while he was Canada

He and Marina had already been heartbroken by a miscarriage in 2008 before having their son Ludo, 15, in 2009 and daughter Iona, 14, in 2011

‘And I’ve navigated the storm. Through a mix of CBT, medicine, and now some alternative therapies I feel like my old self.

‘Gone is the crippling paranoia and anxiety, replaced by my calm old self.

‘I’m telling you this firstly because I believe as someone who shares my successes it’s important to also share our vulnerabilities.

‘It is not to jump on some trend or for sympathy. It’s because if it happened to me, I can happen to you.

‘But just like a broken bone or a pneumonia ravaged lung or even a flesh eating bug (all of which I have had)

‘We can heal. They don’t define us or make us weak. They prove that we are human. Vulnerable to the pressures of modern life.

‘A mental health trauma should not be a stigma but a reality check for the increasingly complicated world in which we live.

‘What’s helped me is doing less and simplifying my life. Less social media. Less work Less pressure to be perfect The results are that I worry less. Stress less. Anger less Fixate less.

In a lengthy Instagram post, the presenter said that he decided to share his struggles last year as it felt it was vital to be as open about his mental health woes

In February 2024, Ben revealed that he’d been diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) after suffering a ‘mental health storm’

‘Giving me more time has helped me back to reality. To being me. Exactly the same person I have always been. Simple. Love, peace and simplicity.’

In February, Ben revealed that he’d been diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) after suffering a ‘mental health storm.’ 

Ben, who has previously spoken about being dyslexic, said that he had ‘changed neurologically’ after struggling with his mental health.

The Countryfile star insisted the condition ‘does not make me fragile, just vulnerable’, as he discussed his adjustment since the diagnosis.

Ben said: ‘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 compᴀssionate. I am a public figure but I am also quite shy.

‘I am dyslexic and an award winning writer. You get the message. The same can be said of our unique neurological differences.’

Ben, who has been married to his wife Marina since 2006, continued: ‘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.

Ben, who has previously spoken about being dyslexic, said that he had ‘changed neurologically’ after struggling with his mental health

Read More Ben Fogle reveals he has been diagnosed with ADHD after a ‘recent mental health storm’ – as he says ‘some aspects of life had become a struggle’

‘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. 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.

‘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 has previously been open about his health and detailed the ‘psycH๏τic episode’ he suffered in 2013 after his drink was spiked.

Talking in 2020, he revealed he attempted to kill himself during a night out in ‘a rural pub in the Cotswolds’.

He detailed the harrowing ordeal with his fans, and called it ‘one of the scariest experiences of [his] life.’

WHAT IS ADHD?

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a behavioural condition defined by inattentiveness, hyperactivity and impulsiveness.

It affects around five per cent of children in the US. Some 3.6 per cent of boys and 0.85 per cent of girls suffer in the UK. 

Symptoms typically appear at an early age and become more noticeable as a child grows. These can also include:

Constant fidgeting Poor concentrationExcessive movement or talkingActing without thinkingInability to deal with stress Little or no sense of danger Careless mistakesMood swingsForgetfulness Difficulty organising tasks Continually starting new tasks before finishing old onesInability to listen or carry out instructions 

Most cases are diagnosed between six and 12 years old. Adults can also suffer, but there is less research into this.

ADHD’s exact cause is unclear but is thought to involve genetic mutations that affect a person’s brain function and structure.

Premature babies and those with epilepsy or brain damage are more at risk. 

ADHD is also linked to anxiety, depression, insomnia, Tourette’s and epilepsy.  

There is no cure. 

A combination of medication and therapy is usually recommended to relieve symptoms and make day-to-day life easier. 

Source: NHS Choices