Comedian Romesh Ranganathan has candidly shared his mental health journey, revealing that he is currently “in one of the best places” he’s ever been mentally, despite years of struggle with suicidal thoughts. Speaking on BBC Radio 4’s Desert Island Discs, the 47-year-old star detailed how running, reading, and breathing exercises have helped him find balance and peace amid life’s challenges.
Ranganathan emphasized the importance of recognizing when mental health declines, saying, “Recognising it is half the battle.” He explained how he sometimes experiences dark periods but knows he needs to act, using strategies that have proven effective for him personally.
However, the comedian also acknowledged the delicate nature of discussing mental health publicly. “You’ve got to be careful because it’s triggering [for other people],” he said. He is mindful of how sharing his experiences could affect those who have faced similar struggles or tragic losses. Still, he believes in the power of destigmatizing mental health by making conversations about it normal. “The way that I try and tackle that is to talk about it, I’m trying to normalise feeling like that,” Ranganathan shared.
Throughout the interview, Ranganathan spoke about the importance of consistency when managing mental health. “One of the things I’ve noticed is you do stuff that works, and it’s proven to work for you personally, and then for some reason you just stop doing it,” he said, describing the familiar cycle of feeling better with certain activities like running or meditation, then stopping them and feeling worse later.
Ranganathan’s reflections offer valuable insight into the challenges of sustaining mental wellness and underscore the need for ongoing self-care. His openness resonates deeply, as many listeners can relate to the difficulties of maintaining routines during tough times.
The comedian also touched on his family background and upbringing, highlighting influences that shaped his outlook. Born to Sri Lankan immigrant parents, he described how his father embraced British life enthusiastically, but also acknowledged the hardships his mother faced after moving to the UK at 19. “My mum is one of my heroes,” he said, reflecting on her strength raising children in a new country with limited social connections.
Ranganathan’s youth was marked by financial difficulties, especially when his father was imprisoned for fraud during his teenage years. These early experiences contributed to his ongoing mental health challenges, particularly during the pressures of A-level exams. Despite these hardships, he has persevered, recently completing the London Marathon and continuing to build a successful career.
Now, Ranganathan uses his platform to promote mental health awareness and encourage others to speak openly about their struggles. His honesty helps break down stigma and fosters a supportive dialogue about mental well-being.
Listeners can draw inspiration from his journey—from battling suicidal ideation to finding hope and strength in self-care, family, and purpose. Romesh Ranganathan’s story reminds us that mental health is a continual process and that reaching out, sharing, and seeking help can lead to better days.
For those affected by the issues discussed, support is available through resources such as the BBC Action Line. Conversations like these are vital in promoting understanding and compassion for mental health challenges across society.
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