Jake Lloyd, best known for his role as young Anakin Skywalker in ‘Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace’ (1999), has opened up about his struggles with mental health and his diagnosis of schizophrenia.

Now 35, Lloyd shared his journey of recovery and acceptance following years of challenges, including a psychotic break in 2023.

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In a conversation with author Clayton Sandell, co-writer of ‘Star Wars Timelines’, and his mother, Lisa Lloyd, the actor reflected on his progress after completing an 18-month stint in mental health rehabilitation.

Speaking with ‘The Hollywood Reporter’, Jake Lloyd shared that he is now in a more flexible rehab program where he can come and go as needed.

“Pretty good, considering these 20 years of time that have come to an end,” Lloyd said. “I can now accept taking on continued treatment, therapy, and my meds. Everyone’s been very supportive.”

Lloyd’s struggles became apparent during high school when he began questioning his sense of reality, his mother revealed in an earlier interview.

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“Jake started having some trouble in high school. He started talking about ‘realities,’” Lisa Lloyd explained. “He didn’t know if he was in this reality or a different reality.”

For years, Lloyd struggled to acknowledge his schizophrenia diagnosis, a challenge compounded by anosognosia—a neurological condition where a person is unaware of their illness. However, he has since gained clarity about his condition and the importance of medication.

“I don’t have the time for feeling volatile,” Lloyd said, describing the stabilizing effect of his medication. “It is very much a cushion.”

Reflecting on his journey, Lloyd acknowledged that hitting “rock bottom” was a turning point. “Good things have come from my treatment,” he shared. “It was something that needed to happen so that I could learn to honestly take part in treatment, honestly take my meds, and honestly live with my diagnosis.”

Lloyd, who was just eight years old when he was cast as Anakin Skywalker, faced immense pressure and public scrutiny following the film’s release. Today, he is focused on rebuilding his life and finding peace through ongoing treatment and support.