Hollywood pressure led to Mischa Barton’s breakdown

CEBU, Philippines - Mischa Barton appears on the newest cover of People and opens up about how Hollywood pressures led to her much publicized stint in the psych ward back in 2009.

Ten years ago, the then 17-year-old actress was a star on the hit TV series “The O.C.” and she “worked hard, played hard.”

But behind the scenes, Barton was facing difficult demons. The 27-year-old recalled the “enormous pressure” that lead to her life spiraling out of control.

First came a DUI arrest and possessing marijuana in 2007. Then she was admitted into a psych ward under an involuntary hold after she threatened to take her own life in 2009. The incident occurred after Barton’s parents tried to stage an intervention and she “blacked out under the influence of a sedative.”

“It was a full-on breakdown. I was under enormous pressure,” she confessed.

The former “It” girl took the event as a wake-up call and focused on getting healthy, but even then she was forced to deal with cruel headlines, specifically about her size.

“It was always, ‘She’s too skinny, she must be sick.’ Then it was, ‘She’s too big.’ I was never the right weight,” she explained.

Now, she says she has “learned a lot” and is keeping busy with several acting projects, including her new supernatural thriller “I Will Follow You Into The Dark” and a TV pilot, “The Gutsy Frog.” She also has a London boutique, which features her new makeup collection, handbag designs and some of her personal favorite clothing styles. (FREEMAN)