Mischa Barton Breakdown Compared to 'Girl, Interrupted' by Star

Mischa Barton suffered a breakdown in 2009 and is finally willing to talk about it with the public. In a new interview, Barton revealed just how bad things were for her and how she is now recovering.

"It was a full-on breakdown," Barton told People magazine. "It was terrifying, straight out of 'Girl, Interrupted.' Story of my life, but I was never suicidal. I was just overworked and depressed. But one slip of the tongue in a heightened moment and you find yourself in that situation."

Barton was placed on a 5150 psychiatric hold, the same as Amanda Bynes, and held for quite some time until she received the help she needed and was discharged. Even though she was scared of being in the psychiatric ward, she "accepted" the time as time she "needed to be away from work, family and all the pressure."

She had worked hard ever since her role in "The Sixth Sense" in 1999; Barton was then cast in "The O.C.," which was a smash hit. Barton also began hanging out with Lindsay Lohan and Nicole Richie, who were known for their partying at the time. Lohan ended up in rehab and is now busy maintaining her healthy lifestyle, while Richie is the mother of two children.

Barton explained that two major events led to the 5150 hold: a 2007 DUI arrest and an intervention in 2009 after she passed out from taking prescription Xanax.

"I was living a jet-set lifestyle. We thought, work hard, play hard. It was a train I couldn't not get off of," Barton admitted.

Barton is now living a healthier lifestyle, spending her time between London and Hollywood. She also revealed that she is taking a break from the lavish lifestyle and from dating.

"I've learned a lot," Barton said; "I'm stronger now and I'm excited for what's ahead."

She can currently be seen in "I Will Follow You Into the Dark," and has at least four other projects in the works.