Jake Lloyd's Mother Shares Update on His Mental Health Journey at Residential Mental Health Facility

Star Wars Jake Lloyd Is in a Mental Health Facility After Psychotic Break

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Jake Lloyd's mother, Lisa Lloyd, shared with Scripps News that her son has been receiving treatment for his mental health for the last 10 months. She wanted to update Star Wars fans on Jake's well-being, especially with the approaching 25th anniversary of The Phantom Menace.

Lisa remembered the first signs of trouble with Jake in high school. He began talking about different realities, unsure of which one he was in. Lisa was unsure how to respond to this shift in his personality.

One day, Lisa asked Jake to finish his homework, but he questioned if it was necessary because he was uncertain about the reality he was in.

She then said, "Well, today you're in my world, so you need to finish your homework."

Later on, Lisa took Jake to see a doctor who mentioned the possibility of him having bipolar disorder. Despite trying different medications, none of them appeared to have a positive effect. Jake went on to graduate from high school in 2007 and enrolled at Columbia College Chicago.

Star Wars Jake Lloyd Is in a Mental Health Facility After Psychotic Break

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Jake’s struggles became more pronounced when he started college. According to Lisa, he started skipping classes frequently and expressed feeling like he was being followed by others.

Lisa shared that Jake would often mention seeing individuals with dark eyes watching him. He also mentioned having late-night chats with Jon Stewart, the host of The Daily Show, through the TV screen. Eventually, Jake was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia.

Lisa shared that when her son was finally informed, it greatly impacted his mental health, causing him to spiral into a deeper depression. She mentioned that it was a very difficult time for their family.

Jake made the decision to stop taking his medication because he believed he no longer needed it. This choice resulted in a troubling incident in 2015 when Jake was involved in a police chase spanning multiple counties, culminating in a car wreck. Despite Lisa's efforts to reach out to Jake for legal assistance, he refused to respond to her calls.

The loss of Jake’s younger sister, Madison Lloyd, in 2018 at the age of 26 from natural causes, also appeared to play a role in his deteriorating condition.

Lisa mentioned that Jake is currently undergoing treatment at a mental health rehabilitation center after experiencing a psychotic episode. He has eight months remaining in his stay at the facility. In March 2023, Jake caused concern when he stopped his car in the middle of a busy three-lane road, prompting authorities to intervene.

Lisa remembered that when he said he wanted to turn the car off, he did so right in the middle of the three lanes, with them stuck in the middle lane. There was chaos with yelling and screaming. The police arrived and questioned Jake, but his responses were incomprehensible, like a jumbled mess of words.

Eventually, Jake was taken to a hospital and then transferred to a mental health rehabilitation facility for further treatment.

Lisa shared that she is pleased with Jake's progress, noting that he is interacting with people more and becoming more social. She feels like she is starting to see the old Jake come back, as he used to be very social before his battle with schizophrenia.

In addition, Lisa mentioned how Jake's relationship with the Star Wars franchise has evolved since he stopped acting in the early 2000s.

"He loves all the new Star Wars stuff," she said. "People think Jake hates Star Wars, but he actually loves it."

Lisa clarified that the negative reaction to The Phantom Menace did not impact Jake's mental health. She explained, "It would have happened regardless. I think it was genetic. Jake's psychiatrist also believes that he was destined to develop schizophrenia."

Editor's P/S:

Jake Lloyd's story is a tragic reminder of the devastating impact that mental health can have on individuals and their families. His struggles with schizophrenia, coupled with the loss of his sister, have taken a profound toll on his life. As his mother, Lisa, has shared, Jake's condition has led to episodes of paranoia, delusions, and impulsive behavior, culminating in incidents that have put himself and others at risk. While it is unclear whether the negative reception to The Phantom Menace played a role in Jake's mental health decline, his diagnosis of schizophrenia was attributed to genetic factors.

It is encouraging to hear that Jake is now receiving treatment at a mental health rehabilitation center and is making progress in his recovery. Lisa's unwavering support and commitment to her son's well-being are a testament to the power of love and resilience. Jake's story highlights the importance of early intervention and ongoing support for individuals struggling with mental health challenges. It also serves as a reminder that even in the face of adversity, hope and healing can always be found.