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Mischa Barton happy with hospital

(Agencies)
Updated: 2009-12-02 16:39

Mischa Barton thinks being sectioned was a "good" thing.

The former 'O.C.' 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.

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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."