// BBC UK NEWS — CRONACA
New Welsh Labour leader opens up about decades-long struggle with anxiety and depression
Ken Skates described feeling detached from himself and reality at university
Welsh Labour's new leader has opened up about the struggles he has had with anxiety and depression since childhood.
Ken Skates said he sought help after his symptoms were at their most severe while studying at the University of Cambridge and he was eventually diagnosed with generalised anxiety disorder and depression.
He described feeling detached from himself, as though he was "watching" his own life, adding that "nothing feels real".
Skates said he still recognised the anxiety that affected him as a child and young adult, but has learned to manage it through treatment and talking therapies.
Born in Wrexham, the Member of the Senedd (MS) for Fflint Wrecsam was confirmed as Welsh Labour leader last month.
It followed spectacular losses for the party in May's Senedd election, ending 27 years of Welsh Labour rule.
Plaid Cymru formed a new Welsh government, Reform became the largest opposition party in Cardiff Bay, and Labour returned just nine MSs out of a total of 96.
Skates spoke to BBC's Walescast as part of a series of interviews over the summer with leading Welsh politicians.
He remembered being an anxious child who was "always keen to please" and eager to avoid conflict - traits he still recognises in himself today.