Jim Carrey says his latest film, ‘A Christmas Carol’, mirrors his own journey out of depression. The “Ace Ventura: Pet Detective” actor – who has suffered from the mood disorder since 1994 and admitted to taking prescription drugs – said starring in the heartwarming traditional festive tale helped him to find perspective on his own life.

He said: “Everybody loves a good transformational story – somebody who sees the light and finds out what’s important in life. It was wonderful to get to the bottom of a character I’ve seen done a hundred different ways.”

Speaking of turning his own life around, Jim, 47, said there is now “more light” since he has banished prescription drugs, switched to a healthy diet and became step-father to his partner Jenny McCarthy’s autistic six year old son Evan.

He explained: “I created tools to help my treatment and I went down a path with some amazing scientific minds who are using supplemental treatments for depression.”

Jim – who plays the role of Scrooge as well as the ghosts of Christmas past, present and future in the film – also said he enjoyed showing Evan the film and sitting with him through it for the first time.