I’ve nearly killed myself multiple times — it was brutal growing up with autism, says Chris Packham

SPRINGWATCH star Chris Packham has revealed he attempted suicide several times growing up.

The TV favorite, 61, who hosts the popular wildlife program and the fall and winter spin-off shows, has been severely bullied because of his autism.

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Chris said he has struggled with the condition, which can affect the way a person communicates and interacts with other people, among other things.

“I’ll never forget how lucky I am to be here,” Chris told the Radio Times.

“Because in my youth – when autism is the hardest to cope with – and even as an adult, I have come very close to killing myself several times.”

Chris said he worries the situation is worse for teenagers now.

“Today there are teenagers who sit alone in their bedrooms with no tunnel in sight let alone a light at the end,” he continued.

“We’ve learned so much about the disease since growing up in the 1960s, but young people are still suffering. That is unscrupulous.”

Last month, Chris revealed he was taking a break from television out of creative frustration rather than burnout.

He added: “To be honest there is one more reason to take a break and it has to do with my state of mind.

“For the first time, and perhaps belatedly, I had environmental anxiety. I’m angry and I’m scared.”

It will be the first time in almost four decades that Chris will not be on our screens, but he admitted it was the right decision after feeling like he was constantly running on a treadmill.

“I’m not going to buy a Ferrari and run away with a 20-year-old,” he told The Mirror.

“I’ve never taken three months off before. Never.

“I can hardly sleep, I’m so excited. I may have to ban [partner] Charlotte from the studios.”

Known for being a passionate wildlife speaker and experienced naturalist, Chris has become a firm favorite with viewers over the years.

Though he’ll be taking a short break from television, fans won’t have to wait too long.

Earlier this year, the TV personality announced that another show about autism, which he was diagnosed with in his 40s, is coming out soon.

He will raise awareness about the disability on the gritty new TV show.

Chris explained the program details the experiences of people with autism and said it can help “make things better for everyone.”

“I’ve just finished a series on autism,” he told Express.co.uk.

The series will be a “two-parter for the BBC to air after Christmas,” shared Chris.

“I’ve just finished a series on autism,” he told Express.co.uk.

The series will be a “two-parter for the BBC to air after Christmas,” shared Chris.

Speaking about raising awareness of autism, Chris explained, “We’re seeing a lot younger men who are diagnosed earlier, a lot more. Women are better at hiding it, and it’s what we all do.”

The wildlife expert admitted he hid his disability for “most” of his life until finally diagnosed at 40.

The BBC presenter admitted: “We hide it so that we can get on in life, so that we can move ‘normally’ in society, but it comes at a heavy price and especially for these young women.

One of the programs Chris will attend is very focused on making sure the disability isn’t seen as a ‘male-only condition’.

He concluded: “It’s also a very feminine condition and we need to focus a lot more on young women first, diagnose them and then of course give them the support they need.”

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