Jake Lloyd, the former child star who played young Anakin Skywalker in “Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace,” has opened up about his mental health journey and recent treatment. In a feature published on author Clayton Sandell’s Substack, Lloyd, alongside his mother Lisa, discussed his experiences. The interview reveals that Lloyd recently completed an 18-month stay at a mental health rehabilitation facility following a psychotic break in March 2023. During this episode, his mother recounts a terrifying incident where he turned off his car engine while driving on a three-lane highway.
Reflecting on his progress, Lloyd shared, “Pretty good, considering these 20 years of time that have come to an end. I can now accept taking on continued treatment, and therapy, and my meds. Everyone’s been very supportive.” While enthusiastic to participate in the interview, Sandell noted instances of word confusion and tangential thinking, attributed by Lisa Lloyd to fatigue. Lloyd credits medication with stabilizing his moods, making him feel less volatile. He currently resides in a less restrictive rehabilitation facility, serving as a transitional home base as he prepares for a full return to independent living.
Lloyd considers his previous struggles a turning point, stating, “I’m thankful it happened…so he could ‘honestly take part in treatment, honestly take your meds and honestly live with your diagnosis.” His path to recovery follows years of public struggles, including multiple arrests, previously reported by TMZ. His mother confirmed his rehabilitation stay approximately ten months after it began. Recent sightings of Lloyd working out in Los Angeles further suggest his positive trajectory.
Overall, Lloyd appears to be making significant strides in his recovery, expressing a sense of well-being not felt in years.