Roman Kemp, a well-known broadcaster, has courageously discussed his personal mental health struggles, including past suicidal thoughts. In a significant turn of events in 2020, Roman faced a heartbreaking loss with the sudden death of his close friend and colleague, Joe Lyons, popularly known as Producer Joe from the Capital FM Breakfast Show, which Roman previously hosted.
Upon learning about Joe’s tragic passing at the age of 31, Roman shared his own mental health journey and spearheaded the BBC Three documentary, “Roman Kemp: Our Silent Emergency,” shedding light on the mental health challenges faced by young men. Roman, now 32, revealed that he had been taking an antidepressant called sertraline since his teenage years and had grappled with suicidal thoughts since the age of 15. Despite his struggles, he has recently disclosed that he has stopped taking his prescribed antidepressants.
Reflecting on his documentary and the impact of Joe’s story, Roman expressed the difficulty of his decision to discontinue the medication, emphasizing the ongoing battle with mental health issues. He emphasized the importance of seeking professional advice before attempting to stop antidepressants abruptly, sharing his own experience of the negative consequences of such actions.
Roman also highlighted the significance of ongoing mental health awareness efforts, stressing the need for continuous support beyond designated awareness days. As an advocate for mental health, he has joined forces with the Premier League for the Together Against Suicide campaign, aiming to provide essential support and resources for individuals in need.
While Roman’s mental health journey has seen improvements, he recently embarked on a challenging adventure with his sister in the Celebrity Race Across The World, describing it as one of the toughest experiences he has faced. Despite the hardships, the journey brought him closer to his sister, fostering a newfound understanding and bond between them.
Additionally, Roman has taken on a new role as Marriott Bonvoy’s official Getaway Guru in collaboration with Nectar, aligning with his passion for travel and creating lasting memories. He emphasized the value of experiences and the importance of planning meaningful getaways, encouraging others to prioritize enriching travel experiences.
In light of his personal experiences and advocacy for mental health awareness, Roman continues to inspire others to prioritize mental well-being and seek support when needed.