Australian soap icon Ryan Moloney has delivered a raw and emotional account of a personal crisis that led to a life-changing diagnosis. The actor, famed for playing Jarrod "Toadfish" Rebecchi for three decades, broke down while filming Channel 4's Celebrity SAS: Who Dares Wins, revealing he had experienced suicidal thoughts before discovering he had ADHD.
A Breaking Point in the Paddock
The 46-year-old father of two was taken aside by show instructors for a private interview during Sunday night's episode. He confessed he hadn't anticipated confronting one of his darkest moments on television. Moloney described the immense pressure of his long-running role on Neighbours, combined with relentless side ventures in property development.
"It's a very hectic time when you go to work and you're in this headspace for 12 hours, and then you go home and try to do family life," he explained. The constant cycle of work, family, and learning lines offered no respite. He spoke of pushing himself into high-stress projects like building and moving homes, leading to an accumulation of strain. "The ultimate stress after stress, stress, stress, stress, stress. I haven't really had a break," he admitted.
The Moment Everything Changed
Overwhelmed and feeling like "nothing's ever good enough," Moloney emotionally recounted the pivotal moment his struggle reached its peak. "I found myself standing in a paddock going 'If this is it, I don't want to do it anymore'," he sobbed. This stark realisation, however, became a catalyst for change. "And then it was 'Okay, alright, that's not the answer'. I need to work out what's going on with my head."
His search for answers culminated in a formal diagnosis of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). For Moloney, this was not a label of limitation but a key to understanding. "Once I'd got the diagnosis it was like that's the best news I've ever heard because now I understand why my brain does what it does," he stated with relief. "Now I get why I see things very differently."
A Message of Hope and Understanding
Reflecting in a later piece to camera, Moloney connected his pre-diagnosis turmoil to the undiagnosed condition. "Before I got diagnosed with ADHD there was a lot of stress and pressure on life. Just that constant feeling of being lost," he shared. He ended his powerful testimony with a crucial message of hope for others who may be struggling.
"It's incredibly important to be able to understand what's actually going on in your brain," he urged. "When you feel like you want to quit on life, don't. Find an answer." His story underscores the importance of seeking professional help and understanding mental health.
If you are affected by the issues raised, The Samaritans offer free, confidential support 24 hours a day on 116 123. You can also email jo@samaritans.org or visit their website.
