'Profound scars': Sarah Ferguson opens up about recent mental health treatment

Sarah Ferguson has spoken of the "profound scars" she has from childhood, following a recent stay at a mental health clinic in Switzerland.

The 65-year-old, who was married to Prince Andrew from 1986 until 1996, shared details of her stay on social media and went into further depth about her mental health challenges in an essay published in The Telegraph UK.

Ferguson shared a photo from her stay at the mental health clinic on social media and opened up about her experience.

"Mental health touches us all - it has no boundaries. We need to promote open conversations about mental health and how we can improve access to mental healthcare across society," she wrote.

"I recently spent time at @paracelsusrecovery in Zurich, a clinic known for its discreet, bespoke care for those facing complex mental health and addiction challenges, to learn more," she shared.

"What I found was not only a centre of clinical excellence, but a place of deep humanity. Conversations with Dr Thilo Beck and @jangerberofficial, the clinic's founder, were illuminating."

She explained their mission is one she respects, bringing mental health into the open with compassionate conversation.

"If you or someone you know is struggling, I encourage you to seek help. You are not alone, and there is no shame in taking the steps towards healing. I've written about these experiences today for @telegraph which you can find on my story," the royal finished the post.

In an essay for The Telegraph UK the royal, who is styled as the Duchess of York, opened up about her childhood.

She opened up about the damage that was done when her mother Susan Barrantes, left the family to live with polo player Hector Barrantes when Ferguson was 12.

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She said this "led to feelings of unworthiness [that] contributed to an unhealthy attitude to food that often threatened to spiral into a full-scale eating disorder".

Ferguson also spoke about the impact of spending "most of my life in the public eye" which she says "has been a great privilege, but has also presented its own challenges".

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Tabloid media outlets in the UK cruelly labelled Ferguson the "Duchess of Pork" due to her fluctuating weight during her time as part of the British royal family.

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Sarah Ferguson's life in pictures

Despite their divorce, Ferguson and Prince Andrew remain close, residing together at the Royal Lodge in Berkshire.

They share daughters Princess Beatrice, 36, and Princess Eugenie, 35, four grandchildren and one step-grandchild.

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Ferguson also wrote about being in a "dark place" in 2023 when she was diagnosed with both skin cancer and breast cancer within months.

"Most recently, I don't mind admitting that my mind went to some dark places – focusing on my own mortality – when I was diagnosed with first breast cancer and then skin cancer, which my father had when he died and also killed my best friend," she wrote.

King Charles continues outpatient treatment for an undisclosed form of cancer, diagnosed in early 2024.

The Princess of Wales has pulled out of Royal Ascot at the last minute after saying she had entered remission for an undisclosed form of cancer earlier this year.

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