Renowned British boxing legend Frank Bruno is celebrated for his extraordinary career in the ring. However, his most formidable opponent emerged beyond the boxing arena – a relentless battle with depression that led to his involuntary hospitalisation. In a candid interview with Lisa Palmer of Mind Jump Monthly, Bruno courageously shared his compelling story, unveiling a side of his life that transcended the realm of sports.
The former heavyweight champion faced involuntary hospitalisation in 2003, triggered by the collapse of his marriage and subsequent diagnosis of bipolar disorder. He confronted a daunting reality when sectioned again in 2012 for five weeks, during which he encountered violent inmates within the psychiatric facility.
Bruno recounted: “The guys are so high because of the drugs they give them, and that’s what it was like in a lot of the places I went. I had people coming up to me wanting to stab me.”
Reflecting on the challenging circumstances, Bruno highlighted the prevalence of drug-induced highs among patients, describing encounters where hostile intentions and fears of being stabbed were part of his daily reality. He emphasised the necessity of caution, as some patients exhibited aggressive behaviour, including attempts to harm his eyes due to medication-induced altered states.
Despite the adversity, Bruno recognised the positive impact of his involuntary hospitalisations, leading him to advocate for improved mental health treatment. In 2013, he established the Frank Bruno Foundation to support those grappling with mental health issues.
Bruno continues to navigate his mental health journey through a disciplined approach, incorporating medication and a rigorous training routine of three sessions per day. Despite ongoing challenges, he remains committed to his daily medication regimen, acknowledging its potency and the difficulty it presents. Undeterred, he emphasised the necessity of doing what is required to manage his mental health effectively.
“I train twice and sometimes three times a day, and it’s good for your mind as well. If you look after yourself, you feel much better. I meditate a lot as well. I’m privileged because I did well out of boxing, and I don’t moan too much, except about those funny places they send you to with the tablets and injections,” Bruno shared.
For the full video story and an in-depth conversation with Frank Bruno, visit MindJump Monthly.
