Mental health advocate Roman Kemp has opened up about an emotional new chapter after he stopped taking antidepressants.
In a candid post on social media, the former Capital FM host revealed he has stopped taking antidepressants after relying on them for over 15 years.
PS here’s what I look like writing this pic.twitter.com/TZEKwGPuZ4
— Roman Kemp (@romankemp) November 28, 2024
Roman Kemp antidepressants
In his heartfelt post, Roman wrote: “It has now been 4 months since I stopped taking antidepressants and it’s safe to say they’re out of my system. Something I have taken since I was 15 years old.
“Now while I’m still learning about why I suddenly want to cry more and may get a bit snappier at my friends, I’m excited at the thought of understanding what the emotional side of me is really like.”
He emphasised the importance of individual choice when it comes to mental health treatments.
“I’m neither for or against taking antidepressants,” Roman explained. “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 struggle in my life, but I’m now ready to move on.”
To conclude the post, the presenter added: “Only posting this in case anyone was ever worried about starting/stopping.”
The tweet was accompanied by a tired-looking selfie, showing Roman giving a thumbs-up from inside his car.
In the caption, he humorously added: “P.S here’s what I look like writing this.”
His fans offered their support and praise for Roman. One said: “Such a brave and authentic post Roman! Will help others for sure!”
Another wrote: “So so brave, honest & raw. By posting this you are helping so many others.”
Mental health advocacy
Roman has been a vocal advocate for mental health awareness.
In his BBC documentary Roman Kemp: Our Silent Emergency, Roman revealed that he has battled depression for more than 10 years.
This film also addressed the grief he felt after the 2020 death of his close friend and radio producer Joe Lyons, who took his own life.
Roman has since worked tirelessly to raise awareness about mental health, especially among young men.
The One Show host advocates for teaching children about mental health early.
“Talking about mental health needs to start earlier than when we get to 16 and we’re doing PSHE,” he said in a 2022 interview. “It has to be engrained into lessons and schools… as early as possible.”
In a Channel 4 interview, he shared: “I’ve dealt with suicidal thoughts. I’ve been on antidepressants for 15 years of my life. It’s so important to talk about it because those conversations save lives.”
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