Orlando Bloom reflects on mental health journey through ‘dark time’ after life-threatening fall

The Pirates of the Caribbean star has revealed his journey of healing after suffering a near-death experience in partner with UNICEF on World Mental Health Day
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Orlando Bloom has opened up about his mental health after suffering a nearly-fatal fall in 1998 that crushed his spine.

The 45-year-old actor from Canterbury spoke about the terrifying accident when he fell through three floors from a rooftop terrace after climbing up with his friends.

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The then-19-year-old lost his footing as a drainpipe he was using to climb collapsed leading to the Pirates of the Caribbean star breaking his vertebrae.

Orlando Bloom has reflected on his mental health journey with UNICEF (Pic:Getty)Orlando Bloom has reflected on his mental health journey with UNICEF (Pic:Getty)
Orlando Bloom has reflected on his mental health journey with UNICEF (Pic:Getty)

Nearly two decades later, the English actor has reflected on how he got through the “dark time” for World Mental Health day 2022, which took place on Monday, 10 October.

Orlando’s story came as other stars including Selena Gomez, Russell Brand and Liam Gallagher spoke about their mental health and showed their support.

Orlando said on Instagram: “I was very fortunate to survive the fall because my spinal cord was still just intact. And when I was in hospital, I was told for the first four days that I may never walk again.

Orlando Bloom earned a grade A in both art and photography, while gaining a grace C in Religious Studies (Photo: Shutterstock)Orlando Bloom earned a grade A in both art and photography, while gaining a grace C in Religious Studies (Photo: Shutterstock)
Orlando Bloom earned a grade A in both art and photography, while gaining a grace C in Religious Studies (Photo: Shutterstock)
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“That was the beginning of what was a long and painful journey for me in recognizing and understanding some of the patterns that had been in my life that led me to having numerous accidents.”

The UNICEF International Goodwill ambassador told his 6.2 million followers that after the fall the months were a particularly “dark time” for him and that mental health is particularly challenging because it is unseen.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), over 700,000 die each year from suicide, making it the fourth leading cause of death.

Katy Perry and Orlando Bloom share a baby together (Pic:Getty)Katy Perry and Orlando Bloom share a baby together (Pic:Getty)
Katy Perry and Orlando Bloom share a baby together (Pic:Getty)

He continued: “The injury created time and space for me to look at my life, recognize what was good and what was great in my life.

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“There is always an opportunity for you to transform the pain, whether it be physical or mental, into the good, great fortune of your life.”

Orlando recovered from surgery and was able to walk out of the hospital 12 days later, and would then go onto star as Legolas in the Lord of the Rings franchise at the age of 22.

Orlando starred as Legolas in Lord of the Rings at the age of 22 (Pic:Getty)Orlando starred as Legolas in Lord of the Rings at the age of 22 (Pic:Getty)
Orlando starred as Legolas in Lord of the Rings at the age of 22 (Pic:Getty)

Another British actor that shared his mental health story was comedian Russell Brand, who posted a video on Twitter about knowing how to become aware on healing yourself.

He said: “Look at the areas of your life: there’s your relationships, your work, your solitary time, your leisure, your health and diet.”

Russell instructed people to really take a look at the way they care for themselves and what their roles in society are.

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