Great
British Bake Off contestant Michael Chakraverty became a symbol of hope for those struggling with their mental health when he cried – and later owned those tears – in this season’s Bake Off tent during 1920s week.
Now, the 26-year-old from Stratford-upon-Avon has opened up about a panic attack he had during that infamous technical challenge – and how the producers, show hosts and fellow contestants helped him through it.
Viewers may recall how the baker unravelled during the technical challenge where contestants were asked to create beignets souffles – a deep fried choux pastry ball filled with jam. As the clock ticked, he became increasingly overwhelmed to the point where he broke down in tears.After coming eighth in the challenge (David came last with a disastrous batch of beignets), Michael returned for the Showstopper challenge with his head held high. “I need to get #RealMenCry trending this year, #ManTears,” he said at the time – with many rushing to praise him for such an open display of emotion.Now, in a piece for i News, Chakraverty has revealed that he was actually in the grips of a panic attack with words that may resonate with those who have experienced one – Anxiety UK estimates one in three people are impacted.Related... Struggling With Panic Attacks? People Reveal The Techniques That Help Them Through Chakraverty recalls how, hunched over a deep fat fryer, he was unable to move, becoming less aware of his surroundings and struggling to catch his breath – “the tent darkens as my chest tightens and my fingers tingle” – and suddenly the runny choux pastry didn’t matter.
“The Bake Off team softly swept in, with a producer calmly talking me through mindfulness techniques,” he recounts. “Could I feel my toes? Good. What could I smell? Breathe in. Breathe out. Noel Fielding arrived, gently calling me back to myself. Sandi Toksvig positioned herself directly in my eyeline behind a camera. The message was clear: we’ve got you, and you are safe.”Panic attacks are a sign of the body entering “fight or flight” mode – as a person tries to take in more oxygen, their breathing quickens, and their body releases hormones like adrenaline which causes the heart to beat faster and muscles to tense. Attacks are actually more common in women than in men and can begin before the age of 25, but are most common in people in their 30s or older.Chakraverty, 26, also told of how he’s struggled with depression and anxiety for some time and said he signed up for Bake Off to prove to himself, rather than anyone else, that he could do it. Just applying for the show in itself was a “victory”, he said – and it’s something he should be very proud of.Useful websites and helplines:Mind, open Monday to Friday, 9am-6pm on 0300 123 3393Samaritans 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.)The Mix is a free support service for people under 25. Call 0808 808 4994 or email: help@themix.org.ukRethink Mental Illness offers practical help through its advice line which can be reached on 0300 5000 927 (open Monday to Friday 10am-4pm). More info can be found on www.rethink.org.Related... Bake Off's Kim-Joy: 'It's Impossible To Be Positive All The Time' Why Am I Tired All The Time? We Asked A Doctor When To Seek Help These Are The Physical Symptoms Of Stress You've Probably Never Heard Of