Jake Lloyd shares an update on his mental health journey this year.
Jake Lloyd, who once portrayed the young Anakin Skywalker in ‘Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace,’ is feeling optimistic as 2025 begins. Having completed an 18-month stay at an inpatient mental health facility in Southern California, Lloyd is now residing at a rehabilitation center where he continues his treatment for schizophrenia, a condition diagnosed after a series of personal challenges.
In a conversation with author Clayton Sandell, Lloyd expressed relief at the conclusion of a particularly tough period. ‘Pretty good, considering these 20 years of time that have come to an end,’ Lloyd shared, highlighting his acceptance of ongoing therapy and medication. While his mother, Lisa Lloyd, mentioned it’s been less than 20 years since his diagnosis, she has witnessed his progress and is hopeful.
Lisa Lloyd revealed that Jake battled anosognosia, a common issue for individuals with schizophrenia that makes it difficult for the brain to recognize certain health conditions. This made treatment acceptance challenging for him initially. Despite these struggles, Lloyd has embraced a path of recovery following what he described as ‘hitting rock bottom.’ His commitment to ‘honestly take part in treatment’ marks a turning point.
Jake was only 8 years old when he was cast in ‘The Phantom Menace,’ thrusting him into the limelight. His mother has clarified that the harsh reception of the film did not influence his decision to step away from acting or impact his mental health, pointing instead to a family history of schizophrenia. The struggles surfaced publicly in 2015 with his arrest in South Carolina, which unveiled his schizophrenia diagnosis.
In May 2023, Jake experienced a severe ‘psychotic break,’ and his subsequent arrest underscored the severity of his condition, yet also propelled him toward seeking appropriate treatment. Now, with the support of family and professionals, Lloyd is making strides in his mental health journey.
Interestingly, Jake retains a fondness for ‘Star Wars,’ engaging with its classic video games and enjoying the therapeutic nature of fan interactions. Although he plans to catch up on the newer ‘Star Wars’ content,
Jake Lloyd’s story is a testament to resilience and the importance of ongoing support in mental health recovery.
Source: Yahoo
