Comedian Romesh Ranganathan has bravely shared that he has come “very close” to suicide in a recent revelation. The British comedian and TV host spoke candidly about his struggles with suicidal thoughts, revealing that he used to “fantasise” about taking his own life.
In a poignant interview, Ranganathan disclosed that his experiences with suicide ideation began as a teenager after his father was incarcerated for fraud. The loss of a friend to suicide further exacerbated his own mental health challenges. These experiences motivated him to collaborate with the charity Campaign Against Living Miserably (Calm) and run the London Marathon to raise awareness.
Reflecting on a particularly distressing moment where he received news of his friend’s death while filming in Ethiopia, Ranganathan expressed feelings of guilt and regret for not being there to support his friend in need. This incident prompted him to seek help and support from Calm for his own well-being.
The 46-year-old comedian highlighted the importance of mental health awareness and self-care, acknowledging that while he is in a better place now, the potential for recurring struggles remains. Ranganathan emphasised the significance of addressing mental health issues openly and seeking help when needed.
Ranganathan credited exercise and the support of his friend, Tom Davis, for assisting him in improving his mental well-being. He likened his journey to managing suicidal thoughts to that of an ex-smoker knowing the temptation to return to old habits, stressing the ongoing nature of mental health challenges.
In addition to his personal challenges, Ranganathan has continued to work on various television projects, including taking over Claudia Winkleman’s Radio 2 slot and appearing in sitcoms like “Avoidance” and hosting quiz shows such as “The Weakest Link” and “A League of Their Own.”
For those struggling with mental health issues or in distress, resources such as the Samaritans helpline (116 123 in the UK and ROI) are available for support. Similarly, individuals in the USA can contact the National Suicide Prevention Helpline (1-800-273-TALK) for confidential assistance. International support can also be found through organisations like Befrienders.
Romesh Ranganathan’s bravery in sharing his story serves as a reminder of the importance of destigmatising mental health struggles and seeking help when needed. His journey towards healing and resilience offers hope and encouragement to others facing similar challenges.