‘Star Wars’ Child Actor Jake Lloyd is Feeling ‘Pretty Good’ About His Mental Health 17 Years After Schizophrenia Diagnosis: ‘Everyone’s Been Very Supportive’

variety.com:

Jack Dunn Jake Lloyd, who starred as the rebellious, podracing soon-to-be-padawan Anakin Skywalker in “Star Wars: The Phantom Menace,” has opened up about his struggle with schizophrenia that, in part, caused him to step away from acting shortly after the “Star Wars” prequel released in 1999.

After a recent 18-month stint in a Southern California inpatient mental health facility, Lloyd said he is feeling “pretty good”.

He is still receiving care from a different treatment center, but can come and go from there as he pleases. “[I’m feeling] pretty good, considering these 20 years of time that have come to an end,” Lloyd said. “I can now accept taking on continued treatment, and therapy, and my meds.

Everyone’s been very supportive.” Lloyd emphasized that “good things” have come from his time in rehabilitation. Although he at one point hit “rock bottom,” he feels it was a necessary step to “honestly take part in treatment, honestly take your meds, and honestly live with your diagnosis. “I don’t have the time for feeling volatile,” the child actor said of taking his medication. “It is very much a cushion.” In March of last year, Lloyd’s mother, Lisa, dispelled rumors that the poor reception of “The Phantom Menace” was the reason her son quit acting.