Mischa Barton 'settled, calm'

Last updated 10:54 03/12/2009

Reuters

HOME HELP: Mischa Barton thinks being sectioned was a good thing.

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The former star of The OC star was placed under an involuntary psychiatric hold earlier this year but says she appreciated the chance to take time out and reassess her life.

She said: "I went to the hospital because of pain with my wisdom teeth and I ended up getting 'put in', but that's because I was so overwhelmingly stressed out and upset.

"I think it was my teeth and the stress of having a new job and travelling. I was miserable. Actresses aren't given the time to recover after stuff like that - you're expected to bounce back from surgery and work right away again.

"I was shocked it went that far but I think it was necessary for me to take that time out. I'm so much more settled and calm now.

"Ultimately, it was a positive thing."

Despite the stigma associated with mental health issues, Mischa insists lots of people suffer from disorders and are hospitalised.

She added to Heat magazine: "It's something that could've happened to anyone - going into hospital and having a bad experience then being held on an involuntary psychiatric hold. It happens to more people than you'd know. It's a common thing."

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