GMB's Sean Fletcher describes how 'world fell apart' during son's heartbreaking OCD battle

express.co.uk:

Mental health is something that Sean Fletcher, 48, is incredibly passionate about following the struggles his own son Reuben experienced - which is why he has teamed up with GO Outdoors and Mind’s recent campaign #HatsOnForMind this winter.The Good Morning Britain presenter has joined ex-England goalkeeper David Seaman and fellow Countryfile stars Helen Skelton and Julia Bradbury to raise money for the mental health charity.

Six years ago Sean’s family was in crisis, as the health of his teenage son deteriorated rapidly over a few weeks. Since getting his OCD diagnosis, Reuben has gone on to get mental health support and achieve amazing things, including securing a place at university.

While things worked out ok for the Fletcher family, Sean has confessed how difficult he found it coming into work each morning and putting on a brave face. “I found it particularly tough when our son was ill and having to go on air, whether it's live programmes or pre-recorded programmes, and smile,” he remembered.“You know, a lot of the things I do, it’s not about me, it’s not about my problems.“You’ve got to leave all of the problems at home behind you, and then go on and smile - and that’s really hard when your world is falling apart at home. “I’m a bit of a smiler anyway - but it’s challenging,” he continued, “Because it’s not just smiling, you’ve got to be positive with things like breakfast telly.

But also Countryfile - they don’t want a miserable presenter!“You’ve got to be positive, and if you’re not feeling positive at home because someone’s ill, that can make it really, really difficult.”Sean went on to admit that he “made a lot of mistakes” during the time when Reuben was ill, and even offered some advice for parents going.