Jake Lloyd talks mental health, reconnects with Star Wars

star wars Returning to theaters in 1999 with The imaginary threat He introduced the audience to Jake Lloyd, who played the role of young Anakin Skywalker. While Hayden Christensen would play the character in later appearances, Lloyd eventually faded from the public eye. That changed when Last Marchhe and his mother Lisa revealed that he had been in rehab for about a year after suffering a psychotic break and was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia.

Since then, Lloyd has agreed to continue my treatment, therapy, and medications, he said in a recent letter. interview With Clayton Sandel. Having recently completed an 18-month stint in rehab, the actor said he was able to learn about his schizophrenia diagnosis. For years, Lloyd suffered from blackouts, a neurological condition that caused him to unknowingly deny his symptoms. Reaching such a low point allowed “good things” to happen, he continued, such as “honestly engaging in treatment, medication, and living with my diagnosis.”

Before last year, the general assumption was the harsh criticism Lloyd received afterwards Phantom Its release contributed to his downfall, similar to the backlash against Jar Jar Binks at the time Ahmed Best To suicide. At the time, his mother refuted the allegations, revealing that her son on his father’s side had a history of schizophrenia. For her and the rest of his family, Lloyd’s improvement is a “huge relief.” “It’s much better than it was,” Lisa Lloyd added. “We are all happy that he is doing as well as he is now, and that he is working hard to achieve it.”

Overall, Lloyd says he’s feeling “pretty good” these days, and said he’s very appreciative of the fan support he’s received over the past year. Public appearances are currently off the table, but it appears he still holds affection star wars: Tell Sandel he saw it recently Ahsoka And put time into it Star Wars: The Old Republic And the original unleash the power, And looking forward to playing the sequel. Although he hasn’t seen any of the recent movies, he said he’s “waiting for May 4th with my mom.”

Sandel’s full story can be read with Jake Lloyd here.

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