MasterChef star Ben Draper talks about mental health and quitting the show

‘I had to go and get some help’: MasterChef star Ben Draper chokes back tears as he talks about the mental health crisis that forced him to quit the series on The Project


MasterChef star Ben Draper sensationally quit the series during Sunday night’s episode. 

And the 31-year-old boilermaker choked back tears as he spoke about his mental health crisis while appearing on The Project on Monday. 

Ben, whose emotional scenes were filmed months ago, said he was feeling a lot better now, than he did on the Channel Ten series. 

Update: MasterChef’s Ben Draper, 31, [pictured] teared up as he spoke about the mental health crisis that forced him to sensationally quit the series on The Project on Monday

‘I got back and just really had to go and get some help,’ Ben said, adding he saw a doctor and psychologist. 

Ben went on to say he did all the things that ‘grounded’ him including surfing and spending time with his family. 

‘That’s what I needed and I’ve come out the other end,’ he said. 

Explaining that life ‘got on top of him’, Ben went on to say it was a combination of stress in the outside world and the competition that made him quit. 

Emotional turmoil: Ben went on to say he did all the thing that 'grounded' him including surfing and spending time with his family. Pictured with Jock Zonfrillo

Emotional turmoil: Ben went on to say he did all the thing that ‘grounded’ him including surfing and spending time with his family. Pictured with Jock Zonfrillo 

‘It was a fair few things that come together,’ he said, speaking of his emotional state at the time of filming the show.

‘I had a passing in the family, my mum had a few health problems before I went in quarantine twice. The home sickness just hurts.’

Ben admitted that he didn’t deal with his feelings ‘very well’ and ended up ‘declining pretty quickly,’ during the competition.

Tough: 'I had a passing in the family, my mum had a few health problems before I went in quarantine twice. The home sickness just hurts,' Ben said. Here with Jock Zonfrillo

Tough: ‘I had a passing in the family, my mum had a few health problems before I went in quarantine twice. The home sickness just hurts,’ Ben said. Here with Jock Zonfrillo  

Looking to inspire others, Ben said it was important to speak out if you are not in a good place mentally – especially for men. 

‘I just hope I have inspired a few fellas to say it is ok to ask for help. Nothing comes out of it negative. I’ve only gotten stronger,’ he said. 

The boilermaker-turned-chef finished the segment by saying he didn’t end-up getting to cook mud crab during his time in the competition. 

If you or someone you know is struggling with depression or anxiety call Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636 24 at any time of the day, seven days a week for anonymous support and guidance

MasterChef continues Tuesday at 7.30pm on Channel 10  

Inspiration: 'I just hope I have inspired a few fellas to say it is ok to ask for help. Nothing comes out of it negative. I've only gotten stronger,' Ben said

Inspiration: ‘I just hope I have inspired a few fellas to say it is ok to ask for help. Nothing comes out of it negative. I’ve only gotten stronger,’ Ben said