Six months after quitting his show, Matthew Wright has opened up about still suffering from “sleepless nights” thanks to a Post Traumatic Stress Disorder diagnosis brought on by the strain of his job.
The TV star, who previously presented The Wright Stuff, admitted he is working with a doctor to get the help he needs after fame caused his mental health to suffer.
Matthew, 53, told The Sun: “It’s difficult to deal with. I thought maybe [the insomnia was] just because I’m used to waking up early in the morning, but the doctor said, ‘No, it is a sign of post-traumatic stress’.”
The former journalist, who presented the Channel 5 show for 18 years from 2000, added: “I think if I hadn’t got out, or left when I did, I don’t know what kind of state I’d be in today… If I had carried on I do think it would have impacted me and my family.”
Matthew, who now presents a weekday show on the radio, tweeted out the interview to his followers, calling it: “Great.”
His fans showed their support, tweeting him: “I miss seeing your face in the morning but you have to keep healthy. Look after yourself x x.”
A second commented: “What a fab piece, I left my job and career (in mental health) early this year for similar reasons. It’s good to highlight the impact.”
https://twitter.com/Matthew_Wright/status/1065279444942811136
A third wrote: “Excellent interview… Loving radio show.”
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The presenter quit his show live on the air back in May.
He told viewers: “After almost 18 glorious years on Channel 5 and with the show flying high in the ratings, I feel it’s time to depart and try my hand at something new.”
He added: “I’d like to thank you at home. Eighteen years we have spent together – that is a long time for stuff to happen. And a lot of stuff has happened.”
He bowed out a month later, in June, paying tribute to his viewers in an emotional final episode.
As we reach the end of an era, Matthew says farewell to all of his viewers who've watched him over the last 18 years. @Matthew_Wright | @Channel5_tv | #wrightstuff pic.twitter.com/6kOIlKmjff
— Jeremy Vine & Storm Huntley on 5 (@JeremyVineOn5) June 14, 2018
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Jeremy Vine now hosts the topical debate show.
We’re sorry to hear Matt’s still having such a difficult time. Let’s hope he’s getting the help he needs.
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