Nicky Campbell has shared that he has been diagnosed with bipolar disorder.
The Long Lost Family presenter is set to open up about his “late diagnosis” in a new memoir, which is titled One Of The Family.
The book will also see Nicky detail how he suffered an emotional breakdown.Speaking to The Mirror, he said: “So many people have been brave enough to tell their stories on Long Lost Family. I think it’s my turn.”
The book, which will be released in February, will focus on many aspects of Nicky’s life, from his adoption and his mental health, to his special pet dog.
His book publisher Rowena Webb added: “Nicky’s courage and honesty in writing his story makes this a very special book. And it wouldn’t have happened without a very special dog called Maxwell.
“It’s a book for life. And I can’t wait for others to read it too.“Nicky was adopted by his parents, Sheila and Frank Campbell, in April 1961, when he was just a few days old.
His biological mother travelled from
Ireland to the
UK to give birth to him, and the Radio 5 Live presenter was able to track her and his biological father down when he was in his 20s.
Nicky previously told the Mirror of his reunion: “It was a surreal moment for me. I met my birth mother in
Dublin in 1990 and, for the first time, I saw a face that looked like mine. But I felt no emotional connection with her, no spiritual connection even.
“There was nothing. If anything, I felt quite sorry for her. She’d had two children within 18 months, by two different men; she led a complicated, rather tragic life. But I’m so thankful to have met her and felt honoured to help carry her coffin when she died in 2008.”
Useful websites and helplines
Mind, open Monday to Friday, 9am-6pm on 0300 123 3393.
Samaritans offers a listening service which is open 24 hours a day, on 116 123 (UK and ROI - this number is FREE to call and will not appear on your phone bill).
CALM (the Campaign Against Living Miserably) offer a helpline open 5pm-midnight, 365 days a year, on 0800 58 58 58, and a webchat service.
The Mix is a free support service for people under 25. Call 0808 808 4994 or email help@themix.org.uk
Rethink Mental Illness offers practical help through its advice line which can be reached on 0300 5000 927 (Monday to Friday 10am-4pm). More info can be found on rethink.org.