Broadcaster and adventurer Ben Fogle has expressed serious concerns about the state of mental health in the UK as he considers leaving the country. The 52-year-old, who gained fame from the BBC reality show Castaway 2000, described a growing sense of danger, stating, “we’re all in danger of being overwhelmed.” His remarks come in the wake of personal challenges and a broader reflection on the impact of social media on wellbeing.
Fogle’s career took off when he participated in Castaway 2000, which placed 36 individuals on the remote island of Taransay in the Western Isles. Since then, he has hosted various television programmes, including Countryfile and Cash in the Attic. Recently, he experienced what he termed a “small breakdown,” prompting him to reassess his life and the pressures stemming from a digital age that he feels has contributed to a mental health crisis.
In a conversation with Radio Times, Fogle described feeling overwhelmed by the “noise and chaos” of social media. He noted that he is now experiencing anxiety and nervousness for the first time in his life, acknowledging a “mental health epidemic” that he believes is pervasive in society. Despite significant progress in discussing mental health, he highlighted that stigma still exists, making it difficult for many to seek help.
Documentary Highlights Off-Grid Living
Following this period of reflection, Fogle will return to the screen with his documentary series New Lives in the Wild, which airs on Channel 5. The programme explores how living off-grid can provide solace for those facing bereavement, financial hardships, or mental health challenges. His experiences filming this series have motivated him to speak out about the negative effects of social media, which he believes has become an “avalanche of negativity.”
Fogle remarked, “Social media fuels hate, encourages constant comparison, and adds to the cacophony.” As a former early adopter of these platforms, he has since reduced his screen time, opting to engage more with television and podcasts. This shift has led him to contemplate a life away from the UK, potentially pursuing an off-grid existence.
Fogle shared his vision of finding a remote cabin, perhaps in Norway or Sweden, ideally in the Arctic Circle, where he could reconnect with nature. He imagines a lifestyle filled with activities like chopping firewood, swimming in cold waters, and canoeing. He hopes this change would allow him to develop new skills, such as painting or boat-building.
A Tribute to His Late Labrador
Integral to Fogle’s journey has been his beloved black Labrador, Inca, who accompanied him during Castaway 2000. In a heartfelt reflection in The Telegraph, he expressed that he “owes everything” to Inca, who provided companionship and motivation throughout his time on the island. Tragically, he made the difficult decision to have Inca euthanised in 2012, a loss that deeply affected him.
Fogle reminisced about how Inca was his source of strength during the year on the island, stating, “Without Inca, I’m not sure how well I would have fared.” Their bond not only helped him navigate his newfound fame but also solidified their place in the public’s memory.
As New Lives in the Wild returns to television, Fogle’s reflections on mental health and the pressures of modern life resonate strongly with audiences. The series premieres tomorrow at 21:00, providing viewers an opportunity to explore the healing potential of nature and simplicity through Fogle’s eyes.
