Romesh Ranganathan’s Candid Discussion on Mental Health

Romesh Ranganathan's Candid Discussion on Mental Health

Comedian Romesh Ranganathan has spoken candidly about his experiences with mental health, revealing that he previously struggled with suicidal thoughts and depression during his teenage years. The 47-year-old host of a weekend show on BBC Radio 2 shared his story on BBC Radio 4’s Desert Island Discs programme, stating he is currently in "one of the best places" mentally.

Positive Outlook on Mental Health

Ranganathan attributed his positive outlook to various activities, including:

  • Running
  • Reading
  • Breathing exercises

He mentioned, "I’ve been doing all sorts of things to try and manage my wellbeing. I’ve started running again after a long time off, I’ve been reading more books than ever before…and I’ve even started doing some breathing exercises."

Importance of Recognizing Mental Health Issues

The comedian emphasized that recognizing mental health issues is crucial for recovery, stating, "Recognising it is half the battle." He acknowledged that sometimes going through a dark period requires taking action to manage one’s wellbeing.

The Challenge of Sharing Personal Struggles

Sharing personal struggles can be challenging due to concerns about triggering others who may have experienced similar difficulties. Ranganathan recognized this risk and noted that talking openly about mental health can help normalize these feelings.

He expressed awareness of the potential impact his words may have on others, saying, "You’ve got to be careful because it’s triggering [for other people]. Ideally discussing physical illness wouldn’t carry similar concerns, but added mindfulness when sharing personal experiences is necessary."

Raising Awareness

By speaking out about his own struggles, Romesh Ranganathan aims to raise awareness and promote open discussions around mental health issues affecting many individuals worldwide today.

Related Statistics

  • A recent study found that nearly half (46%) of adults in England reported experiencing some form of anxiety or depression in 2020-21.
  • Mental Health America reports that approximately one in five adults experience serious psychological distress each year.
  • The World Health Organization estimates that over 264 million people worldwide suffer from depression.
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