Ruby Wax reveals shock over Comic Relief mental health campaign

Ruby Wax expressed her distress after Comic Relief used her image in a mental health campaign without her consent, which she described as 'outing' her struggles. The advertisement featured her alongside the message that '1 in 4 people have mental illness,' which left her feeling exposed and fearful of potential repercussions in her career. Despite being open about her mental health journey, including her experiences with bipolar disorder and depression, she had previously been concerned about the stigma associated with her condition. In 2022, Wax experienced a relapse during a stay at a monastery, leading her to believe she was possessed. This incident prompted her to seek help and ultimately resulted in her admission to a mental institution in London. In her book, she candidly shares her experiences, detailing the stark realities of mental health facilities, including the design of the rooms to prevent self-harm. Wax's family history includes various mental health issues, which she acknowledges as a contributing factor to her own struggles. She reflects on the generational impact of mental illness, noting that her father's side of the family has a history of schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and psychopathy. This context adds depth to her understanding of her own mental health challenges. Following the Comic Relief incident, Wax committed to advocating for those who cannot speak about their mental health issues. Her experiences have fueled her desire to raise awareness and reduce stigma, encouraging open conversations about mental health in society.