Phillip Schofield was close to tears today as opened up about being in a "dark and scary place" during lockdown.
The presenter, 58, spoke about his struggle with mental health on This Morning as they discussed the increase in male depression since the pandemic began.
He revealed that his family, including wife Stephanie, and friend Holly Willoughby had helped him through the dark period in his life.
Speaking to CALM CEO Simon Gunning, he said: "Over the next few weeks I will be talking quite a lot about my mental health and where my head has been in recent times.
"And it's surprising how you think you've got a grip on everything and then suddenly your head takes you to dark and scary places.
"You say loved ones can be instrumental in helping and there's no question that I needed a lot of help in recent times with people who sit at the side of me right now, who helped me enormously.
"Steph, my wife at home, my girls, my family. And loved ones can be instrumental in helping.
"I understand, I realise that not everyone is as lucky as I am to have sympathetic ears to listen to and understand how much you can help someone just by listening."
He later addressed the necessity of not making any rash decisions during those dark times.
"Ive been to some fairly dark places that when those clouds roll in," Phil said. "Don't rush to judge in your life because you don't realise where it can go quite quickly."
The Samaritans is available 24/7 if you need to talk. You can contact them for free by calling 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org or head to the website to find your nearest branch. You matter.
*This Morning airs weekdays at 10am on ITV
