Roman Kemp has revealed he has stopped taking antidepressants for the first time in 16 years.
The presenter, 31, who has had depression since the age of 15, took to Instagram on Thursday to share an update on his mental health with fans.
Roman said that he had stopped taking antidepressants four months prior and now that they were out of his system, he was looking forward to understanding his true emotions.
‘Now while I’m still learning about why I suddenly want to cry more and may get snappier at my friends, I’m excited at understanding what the emotional side of me is really like,’ he said.
Roman has been candid about his struggle with his mental health and has campaigned tirelessly following the sudden death of his friend, radio producer Joe Lyons, who took his own life.
Roman Kemp has revealed on Instagram on Thursday that he has stopped taking antidepressants for the first time in 16 years
The presenter, 31, who has had depression since the age of 15, took to Instagram on Thursday to share an update on his mental health with fans
Sharing a selfie, Roman wrote: ‘It’s now been four months since I stopped taking anti-depressants and it’s safe to say they’re out of my system.
‘Something I have taken since I was 15 years old.’
He added: ‘I’m neither for or against taking anti-depressants, I’m about what is right for YOU and if it helps you then go for it.
‘They helped me through a long period of mental struggle in my life but I’m now ready to move on. Only posting in case anyone was ever worried about starting/stopping ❤️.’
Roman’s famous friends were quick to offer words of support, or in some cases ask him for advice on their on struggles.
Professor Green said: ‘Would love to bend your ear at some point bro, i started an ssri for my ocd recently and also begun medicating newly diagnosed combined adhd… not sure where i sit with it all as always been anti meds – but realised i’d been self medicating + dopamine seeking the whole time – sending love. huge step after all that time ❤️.’
Meanwhile Drag Race UK queen Cheryl said: ‘I’ve tried coming off mine but I’m not just there yet to. I’m working hard but you’re honesty constantly inspires me ❤️.’
‘Oh mate well done, this is such a big deal. Start of a new era. So proud of you ❤️,’ Sian Welby added.
Roman said that he had stopped taking antidepressants four months prior and now that they were out of his system, he was looking forward to understanding his true emotions
Professor Green said: ‘Would love to bend your ear at some point bro, i started an ssri for my ocd recently and also begun medicating newly diagnosed combined adhd’
Meanwhile Drag Race UK queen Cheryl said: ‘I’ve tried coming off mine but I’m not just there yet to. I’m working hard but you’re honesty constantly inspires me ❤️’
‘Oh mate well done, this is such a big deal. Start of a new era. So proud of you ❤️,’ Sian Welby added
Lizzie Cundy wrote: ‘Thank you for such honesty and sharing as it helps so many ❤️.’
‘Brilliant,brilliant post. ❤️❤️,’ said Hannah Waddingham, while Alison Hammond added: ‘Love you.’
Maya Jama and Davina McCall also showed their support as they commented love hearts.
Back in March, Roman thanked his listeners for ‘saving his life’ during his battle with depression as he hosted his final show on Capital Breakfast.
He credited the show and its listeners for getting him through some of his darkest days – ahead of his departure from the channel.
During his last show, Roman delivered a touching speech as he said how grateful he was to them for bringing ‘light and laughter into his life’ during his slot on the radio.
Roman’s friend Joe took his own life in 2020, leaving his loved ones shocked and heartbroken by his sudden pᴀssing.
The presenter has previously discussed his own long-term battle with mental health issues and has tirelessly campaigned for greater social awareness of the issue following Lyons’ death.
In 2019 documentary Roman Kemp: Our Silent Emergency, the presenter revealed he’d once contemplated suicide and had been helped by his mother rushing to his side.
Three years later he appeared on Channel 4 show Steph’s Packed Lunch to stress the importance of talking about mental health in schools at an early age after experiencing his own difficulties.
Roman’s friend Joe took his own life in 2020, leaving his loved ones shocked and heartbroken by his sudden pᴀssing
Lizzie Cundy wrote: ‘Thank you for such honesty and sharing as it helps so many ❤️’
‘Brilliant,brilliant post. ❤️❤️,’ said Hannah Waddingham, while Alison Hammond added: ‘Love you’
Maya Jama and Davina McCall also showed their support as they commented love hearts
He said: ‘I’ve had a lot of troubles of my own, I’ve dealt with suicidal thoughts, I’ve been on anti-depressants for 15 years of my life.
‘I feel that, sometimes, if my brain gets in a situation where it feels like it’s been beaten up by Mike Tyson, I feel like I’m in a boxing ring and not had one boxing lesson.’
He added: ‘Talking about mental health needs to start earlier than when we get to 16 and we’re doing PSHE.
‘It has to be engrained into lessons and it has to be engrained into schools… as early as possible. Understanding that talking is something that can help us.
‘It’s about teaching kids and showing kids these are the tools you need so that when you come up against these demons, you’ll be able to knock them out the park, you’ll be able to deal with them, you’ll be able to talk about them.
‘Unfortunately, when people reach the age of 16, particularly boys, they make a conscious decision of how much they’re going to let someone in.
‘No matter how many chats they have, they’ll always hold something back. It’s about being able to engrain that talking about feelings and looking out for trigger points, looking out for your mates is something that needs to happen in schools from that earlier age.’
Roman later won praise after presenting BBC Three documentary The Fight For Young Lives, for which he toured schools, youth and treatment centres around the country and visited the Houses of Parliament.
For support call Samaritans on 116123 or visit www.samaritans.org
