I nearly took my own life several times – growing up autistic was brutal, says Chris Packham

thesun.co.uk:

SPRINGWATCH star Chris Packham has revealed that he tried to take his own life several times when growing up. The TV favourite, 61, who hosts popular BBC wildlife programme Springwatch as well as the autumn and winter spin-off shows, was severely bullied for his autism.

Chris said he struggled with the condition, which can affect the way a person communicates and interacts with other people, among other symptoms. "I never forget that I’m lucky to be here," Chris told Radio Times. "Because I came very close to taking my own life on several occasions in my youth – when autism is most difficult to deal with – and even as an adult." Chris said that he worries the situation is now worse for teenagers.

READ MORE ON CHRIS PACKHAMNEW DIRECTION Chris Packham announces gritty new TV show - worlds away from Springwatchhorsing around Autumnwatch viewers distracted by background antics as Chris Packham hosts "Today there are teenagers who are sat alone in their bedrooms with no tunnel in view, let alone a light at the end of it," he continued. "We have learned so much about the condition since I was growing up in the 1960s, yet young people are still suffering.

That’s unconscionable.” Last month Chris revealed that he was taking a break from TV because of creative frustration, rather than burnout.