'Twins' traumatic birth gave me PTSD' says Casualty's Iain actor Michael Stevenson
Michael Stevenson is best-known for playing Iain Dean in the popular soap, Casualty, which focuses on medical dramas in an emergency ward.
And it seems that sometimes life imitates art, as Michael has previously opened up about the impact of portraying a paramedic battling depression on his own wellbeing and family life.
The 36 year old star also shared his personal struggles, believing he experienced PTSD following the difficult birth of his twins.
In an episode of Casualty in 2019, viewers saw Michael's character Iain Dean on a path to recovery after a suicide attempt earlier in the year.
Michael, father to 11 year old Jack and eight year old twins Emmy and Isla with fellow actress Lauren Crace, confessed that year: "I've not been the picture of health in the last 12 months."
He admitted the toll the role took on him, saying, "You're very lucky if you can do that kind of thing and it not affect you.", reports the Mirror.
The actor discussed how the intense role led to neglecting his fitness and indulging in comfort food: "I didn't go the gym for a year. What you're playing on screen affects you in your home life."
He talked about his diet during this period: "I ate a lot of junk food, pies, Scotch eggs."
Michael also touched on feelings of isolation due to his routine: "There were times when I felt quite isolated. I drive two hours to work, then I work 10 hours playing a depressed person, then I drive for two hours to get home, on my own in the car."
He candidly revealed his battle with mental health issues.
Michael recounted a particularly harrowing time: "I probably had mild PTSD after my twins were born. That was a pretty traumatic time."
He described the fear surrounding his twins' health scare: "They thought they had malrotation, which can be really dangerous in the stomach."
Sharing a poignant moment when he broke down after the birth of his twins, he said: "I remember phoning my dad, they hadn't heard anything from us for a few days and were worried, and hearing his voice, it all came out and I wept."
Michael commented on the significance of an episode showing Iain's recovery, highlighting the message of hope it conveys.
He remarked: "Nobody is immune. Everyone is affected by something, whatever walk of life you're in. They can suffer but help is there."
Casualty viewers can catch Michael on the show on Saturday, 18 May at 8.35pm on BBC One
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