‘Naked and Afraid XL’ Contestant Gets a “Medical Tapout” After Falling Into a Severe Depression

In what may be a first for the long-running franchise, a Naked and Afraid contestant was asked to leave the competition due to concerns about his mental health. According to Yahoo, Naked and Afraid XL survivalist Ryan Eacret left the show last night after producers and medical staff identified that he was exhibiting signs of severe depression, including weight loss and sleeplessness.

Over the past 10 episodes, Eacret, a primitive hunter and survivalist, established himself as a strong competitor amid the South African bush, but during last night’s episode, he appeared listless. Eacret’s behavior concerned his fellow contestants, and after a night of sleepwalking, producers finally stepped in to address the situation.

“With the amount of weight you’ve lost and the amount of food you’re not eating, with the amount of rest you’re not getting, with the amount of hydration you’re not getting — we’re not equipped to handle depression in a situation like this,” said a producer.

“For your safety, more than anything else, we don’t want to leave you in an environment like this,” added the show’s medic. “It’s taking its toll.”

The producer praised Eacret’s competitive spirit and skill set, but explained that production and the show’s medical staff have agreed that remaining in the bush would be detrimental to his mental health. “We know you would never quit this on your own, because you’re tough as hell, but we think the best thing for you is to pull you from the challenge,” he said. “It’s a medical tapout.”

While Eacret appeared sad to be leaving, he understood that it was for the best. “There is a stigma associated with it, as far as people looking down like, ‘Oh, he’s crazy,'” he said. “It’s not crazy, you’re just born without the chemical production. There’s no shame at all in going and getting treatment.”

Totally right, Ryan Eacret. Hats off to the producers for knowing when someone needs help and stepping in.

Naked and Afraid XL Season 6 concludes next Sunday, August 2 at 8/7c on Discovery. Watch last night’s episode on DiscoveryGo.

Watch Naked and Afraid XL Season 6 Episode 10 on DiscoveryGo