Will Poulter opens up about how acting helped him ‘escape’ from mental health issues

Will Poulter has opened up about his mental health, revealing his acting career provided somewhat of an 'escape' from his issues.

The British actor, who has been diagnosed with generalised anxiety disorder, depression and OCD, says the subject of mental health is 'especially stigmatised' among men.

The 30-year-old has teamed up with Movember for its 20th anniversary to help raise awareness and funds for issues affecting men all over the world, from poor mental health and suicide to testicular cancer and prostate cancer.

Getty/ Marc Piasecki / Contributor

Speaking to PA News Agency, Poulter explained how his career in the spotlight meant he didn't face his issues as soon as he might've otherwise done.

"For a while, maybe I wasn’t addressing some of my mental health issues as early as I might have, because I was losing myself in my work a little bit, and that’s probably quite relatable to a lot of people, whether they’re actors or not," he said.

"So, it’s been a kind of blessing and a curse in that respect, if I’m being completely honest, but I’m obviously very, very grateful to have found something that ultimately I’m very passionate about and I love doing, so it nets out as being a positive and I’m grateful for it."

Getty / Daniel Knighton / Contributor

The actor, whose career began when he appeared in Son Of Rambow, as a child in 2007, has since learned the value of being able to speak out about his experiences, despite the stigma, which has allowed him to improve his health.

"I think, to a large extent, a problem shared is a problem halved. By talking to people more openly about the subject of mental health, you quickly come into contact with the idea that it’s often people that you wouldn’t necessarily assume are suffering from something," he continued.

"Everyone has a mental health to consider, everyone’s dealing with something to some extent."

By joining the campaign, Poulter hopes to help other men to break through the 'asphyxiating stigma around mental health'.

Getty / Gilbert Flores / Contributor

"I think what Movember have long done is helped deconstruct that stigma and create a more hospitable environment for people to be able to talk about mental health," he added.

According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), suicide is currently the leading cause of death among men aged 20 to 34 in the UK. At least one in five men aged between 16 and 29 experiencing moderate to severe depressive symptoms this year alone, Movember said.

Movember is an annual event where people grow moustaches throughout the month of November to raise awareness of men's issues, after being founded in Melbourne, Australia, 20 years ago.

If you’ve been affected by any of these issues and want to speak to someone in confidence, please don’t suffer alone. Call Samaritans for free on their anonymous 24-hour phone line on 116 123

For US readers, you can dial the 24/7 National Suicide Prevention hotline at 1-800-273-8255 or go to SuicidePreventionLifeline.org