Episode image for Cracking Up

Duration: 59 minutes

In 1986, Alastair Campbell had a mental breakdown, the culmination of months of intensive stress at work, too much alcohol, and myriad complex issues. Campbell believes that speaking openly about mental illness helps to de-stigmatise it and so in this startlingly frank documentary he relives the traumas of his breakdown. He talks to some of those who witnessed it, and though it was more than 20 years ago, the journey opens up painful memories. In the end Campbell believes the experience left him stronger and able to cope with the stresses and strains of working at the seat of power.

Last on

Sat 29 Nov 2008 02:35 BBC One except HD

  • CLIP: CRACKING UP

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    Alastair Campbell speaks candidly about having a mental breakdown.

Credits

Producer
Judith Dawson
Executive Producer
Stuart Prebble

Broadcasts

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