Heston Blumenthal Opens Up About His Bipolar Diagnosis and Police Intervention
Celebrity chef Heston Blumenthal has spoken candidly about the moment police attended his home to section him in November 2023, after his wife of eight months expressed concerns for his safety. The 59-year-old, known for his innovative and experimental approach to cooking, was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and spent two weeks in a psychiatric hospital, followed by a further six weeks of intense psychiatry sessions at a clinic.
According to an interview with The Independent, Blumenthal’s wife, Melanie Ceysson, called for help after he exhibited manic behaviour, including talking at length for hours without pausing, and hallucinating images, sound, and touch. The chef became obsessed with the theories of Newton and Einstein, and believed the television was communicating with him.
The intervention came after Blumenthal drew a picture of a gun he claimed to have seen on a table in front of him. It was at this point that his wife sought assistance from the authorities. Blumenthal recalled the moment a policeman arrived at his home, saying, "But I also thought, ‘He seems like a really nice man.’ So he came in, we sat down on the sofa and I showed him my OBE and my coat of arms." He added, "I was not thinking, ‘What the f*** is a policeman doing in my home?’"
The scene quickly escalated, with a second police officer arriving at the front door, followed by five firefighters and a doctor. Blumenthal said he resisted being taken away, but was eventually pinned down on the sofa by the officers and administered a sedative. He described the psychiatric hospital where he was taken, saying it had "grey walls, concrete floors, a metal bed with a PVC mattress and no sheets on it."
Blumenthal has been open about his struggles with bipolar disorder, which he was diagnosed with after the incident. He has spoken about the significant impact the condition has had on his life, including his fear and anxiety in crowded places. The chef has just begun to feel comfortable travelling alone between Marseilles airport and London Heathrow, 19 months after his diagnosis.
As reported by The Independent, Blumenthal’s experience with bipolar disorder is not unique. The condition affects millions of people worldwide, with Type 1 bipolar characterised by at least one manic episode, often accompanied by depressive episodes. The NHS recommends seeking medical attention if extreme mood swings persist or affect daily life.
Blumenthal’s story will be featured in his forthcoming documentary, Heston: My Life with Bipolar, which will air on BBC Two on June 19. The documentary aims to raise awareness about bipolar disorder and reduce stigma around mental health conditions.
For those struggling with mental health issues, support is available. The Samaritans can be contacted in confidence on 116 123 (UK and ROI), or via email at [email protected]. In the USA, the National Suicide Prevention Helpline is available 24/7 on 1-800-273-TALK (8255). For those in other countries, a helpline near you can be found at www.befrienders.org.
