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Frank Bruno: I'm glad I was sectioned
Updated 09:06am on 30 Apr 2010Boxing legend Frank Bruno told how being sectioned was "one of the best things that could've happened to me".
The former world heavyweight champion, who was diagnosed with bipolar disorder in 2003, told ITV1's This Morning programme: "When the bipolar was coming on I was doing some odd things - phoning up people, going to people's house, whatever, and I'm glad I got hold of it when I did and got to the hospital and my daughter and certain other people forced me to go and get sectioned and that was one of the best things that could've happened to me."
Urging other people with similar problems to seek help, he said: "I was aware (that I was doing strange things) but when you're a man you try and be macho. I was trying to fight it and not admit to it.
"But I finally went in there and it was one of the best things I could do."
He said he thought he would have the condition for the rest of his life.
"A lot of people suffer it worse than others, you can't look for sympathy, you've got to pull yourself together and get on with what you've gotta do. There are a lot of other people a lot worse off."
He added: "If you've got a toothache you go to the dentist, if you've got a headache you got and get a tablet, but if your brain's not right they have good people at the NHS to help you fix it and talk to and counselling to calm you down and to focus you. I'm not Mother Teresa's son but I'm just trying to emphasise that to you."
Reader views (4)
When a well known figure goes public about suffering from depression, and it truly is suffering, it helps so many people and shines the light on a condition that is often swept under the carpet - people can cope with physical frailty but emotional or mental frailty is another matter altogether. Someone once said to me, when I was at a very low point "Everyone gets depressed" and I responded "Yes, but not everyone suffers from depression".
Fantastic that Frank Bruno is doing so well and working towards helping other people with the same condition.
- Alison, Cheshunt, Herts, 30/04/2010 15:34
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I've been through depression as well and it is hell. No one can understand it until they have been through it themselves. I wish you the very best Frank and have long admired your strength in getting through this. You have always been a gentle, sweet guy and I hope you have a happy and healthy future. Thanks for being an inspiration to your fellow sufferers. You are absolutely right about seeking medical help and that you do have to work hard yourself to get through it. God bless you!
- Maggie, London, 30/04/2010 13:53
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Good luck Frank. I'm not a boxing fan but you seem a decent chap.
- Frederick, London, 30/04/2010 13:16
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What a personable guy Frank is. I wish him all the very best.
- Peter, London, 30/04/2010 10:13
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