Suranne Jones has revealed how spiralling mental health led to an emotional breakdown, panic attacks and social paranoia. But the resilient Gentleman Jack star has come out the other side and has shared how she did it.
The actress, 43, explained how she made the decision to give up driving due to the gripping fear of panic attacks while behind the wheel. She made the brave admission while speaking on the Thanks a Million podcast.
Suranne said: "I had what I call an ‘emotional breakdown’ where I couldn’t go out without being very aware of everybody staring at me."
She added: “I couldn’t drive the car because I was having panic attacks and then I went to see the doctor. I went on medication and I went into a beautiful care area of my life," BirminghamLive reported. Now the actress, who first won fame as Karen in Coronation Street, said: "I genuinely feel like I’ve moved through it and past it.”
Suranne has been open about her use of medication since the loss of both parents. Paying tribute to the pair last year, she shared a throwback snap of herself with her dad on a Cornwall beach.
"Happy birthday mum," she said. The BBC Vigil favourite added: "Forever on a beach in Cornwall with dad. Mum passed away four and a half years ago and my father sadly passed away this January after fighting Covid and the affect it had on his body.
"We are still coming to terms with it all but I know they are together and today I want to celebrate them both. My thoughts are with those who have lost loved ones. Today and always."
