Jake Lloyd Opens Up About Mental Health Journey After 18-Month Rehab Stay

Jake Lloyd, best known for his role as young Anakin Skywalker in Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace, is sharing his experiences with mental health challenges and recovery.

In a candid interview with author Clayton Sandell, co-writer of Star Wars Timelines, and his mother, Lisa Lloyd, Jake discussed his recent struggles and progress. The interview, published on Sandell’s Substack, reveals that Jake completed an 18-month stay in a mental health rehabilitation facility after a "psychotic break" in March 2023.

The break included a dangerous incident where Jake reportedly turned off his car's engine while driving on a busy three-lane highway. Reflecting on his recovery, the 34-year-old former actor said, "Pretty good, considering these 20 years of time that have come to an end. I can now accept taking on continued treatment, therapy, and my meds. Everyone’s been very supportive.”

Lisa Lloyd added that while Jake is enthusiastic about sharing his journey, he sometimes struggles with fatigue, which can cause confusion and tangents during conversations.

Jake credited his medication for helping stabilize his daily life, describing it as a “cushion” that has made him feel less volatile. He is now living in a facility that allows him to come and go, offering him a safe space as he prepares to reintegrate into the outside world.

Reflecting on his lowest point, which he described as “rock bottom,” Jake expressed gratitude for the wake-up call. “It allowed me to honestly take part in treatment, honestly take your meds, and honestly live with your diagnosis,” he said.

Jake's struggles have been widely documented, including multiple arrests and his mother's disclosure about his initial rehab stay. However, recent glimpses of him, such as his gym visits in Los Angeles, suggest he is turning a corner and focusing on his well-being.

Now, for the first time in years, Jake Lloyd seems to be on the path to recovery and a brighter future.