Laurence Fox recently revealed he has been suffering from panic attacks and a lack of sleep since breaking up with Billie Piper. The two called it quits earlier this year and the actor has resorted to seeing a therapist due to the ensuing emotional consequences.

He shared with the Sunday Mirror newspaper: “The physical symptoms of trauma and suffering are profound panic attacks for an extended period of time, and I’ve never had a panic attack in my life before last year.

It’s like being plugged into an electric socket where you go mental. I’ve learnt to put on my running shoes and sprint as fast as I can until I can’t move anymore, then there’s something else distracting me and the endorphins kick in and you start to feel better. Thankfully they’re getting less all the time.”

The 38-year-old – who has two young children – also says the situation has caused severe insomnia even with the help of medication.

“I haven’t slept for six months, even with sleeping pills. I go to bed the same time, same bed as the kids and just lie awake, sleeping two or three hours. My mind’s whirring round.

I’m seeing an amazing therapist, I love her. You’ve got to seek help, from your family, a therapist, a fitness trainer, whatever it is.”

The star praises family and friends during these intense situations, but admits there’s only so much they can do.

He shared: “Family and friends might be the best people for this stuff but they’ve got their own lives. My brother, Robin, has saved me in this whole situation. He saw it all, what I didn’t see, knew what was coming and tried to tell me about it.”

These days he keeps busy with a personal trainer and credits his brother for his ongoing assistance: “I shouted and got angry with him. But I am my brother’s keeper and will never be able to thank him for how wonderful he’s been to me. He sent me a personal trainer, Darren, three times a week, as a divorce present, and the other two days I train myself.”