BBC The One Show's Roman Kemp flooded with support as he makes health decision
by Jessica Sansome · Manchester Evening NewsRoman Kemp says he has stopped taking antidepressants in a bid to understand his "emotional side". The 31-year-old radio and TV star has revealed he's come off the medication for the first time since he was 15.
In a social media post, Roman explained how he felt ready to "move on", and that he's been learning more about his feelings in the four months since he stopped.
In a written post on Instagram, The One Show co-host explained: "It has now been 4 months since I stopped taking anti-depressants 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 what 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."
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He went on to insist stopping his medication was a personal decision and one that won't be right for everyone. Roman added: "I’m neither for or against taking anti-depressants, 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 mental struggle in my life but I’m now ready to move on. Only posting this in case anyone was ever worried about starting/stopping."
He also shared a photo he had taken of himself, seemingly travelling in a car, in which he gave a thumbs up to the camera. Captioning his Instagram post, Roman wrote: "PS here’s a picture while I write this."
Former Capital FM co-star Sian Welby responded to the update, ‘Oh mate well done, this is such a big deal. Start of a new era. So proud of you." This Morning's Alison Hammond replied: "Love you." Actress Hannah Waddingham added: "Brilliant, brilliant post."
(Image: Roman Kemp Instagram)
Earlier this year, Roman returned to Loose Women for one of their Loose Men all-male panels and he revealed it is “amazing” to have an “open and vulnerable” conversation with high-profile guys to urge men to talk about their own feelings. He said: “Like on my radio show, I was just trying to be open and vulnerable you can be and I think that it's really nice to be able to do it with other men.
"On the show, we get the women’s version. But doing TV with three other guys is really, really amazing. And I really appreciate them. You know what it means to be a part of it, because it's just nice to be involved in a discussion. I'm fortunate enough to be able to do it every day all the time [on the radio]. But on that scale with maybe a different audience in mind, it was really really nice."
On stopping antidepressants, the NHS says to talk to your doctor before you stop and that it is important that you do not stop taking antidepressants suddenly. Antidepressants should be slowly reduced, normally over several weeks or months, which varies depending on the type of antidepressant you're taking, your dose and how long you've been taking it for.
The NHS says your doctor will help you agree a plan for how to gradually reduce your dose. This is to prevent any withdrawal symptoms you might get as a reaction to coming off antidepressants suddenly.
Helplines and websites
Samaritans (116 123) samaritans.org operates a 24-hour service available every day of the year. If you prefer to write down how you’re feeling, or if you’re worried about being overheard on the phone, you can email Samaritans at jo@samaritans.org , write to Freepost RSRB-KKBY-CYJK, PO Box 9090, STIRLING, FK8 2SA and visit www.samaritans.org/branches to find your nearest branch.
For support for people feeling suicidal, if you are concerned about someone or if you are bereaved by suicide see http://shiningalightonsuicide.org.uk
CALM (0800 58 58 58) thecalmzone.net has a helpline is for men who are down or have hit a wall for any reason, who need to talk or find information and support. They're open 5pm to midnight, 365 days a year.
Greater Manchester Bereavement Service Greater Manchester Bereavement Service can help to find support for anyone in Greater Manchester that has been bereaved or affected by a death. No one needs to feel alone as they deal with their grief. www.greater-manchester-bereavement-service.org.uk
Childline (0800 1111 ) runs a helpline for children and young people in the UK. Calls are free and the number won’t show up on your phone bill.
PAPYRUS (0800 068 41 41) is a voluntary organisation supporting teenagers and young adults who are feeling suicidal.
Beat Eating Disorders: Beat provides helplines for adults and young people offering support and information about eating disorders. These helplines are free to call from all phones. Adult Helpline: 0808 801 0677, Studentline: 0808 801 0811, Youthline: 0808 801 0711. www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk
Anorexia & Bulimia Care: ABC provide on-going care, emotional support and practical guidance for anyone affected by eating disorders, those struggling personally and parents, families and friends. Helpline: 03000 11 12 13. www.anorexiabulimiacare.org.uk/
Students Against Depression is a website for students who are depressed, have a low mood or are having suicidal thoughts. Bullying UK is a website for both children and adults affected by bullying studentsagainstdepression.org
For information and links to charities and organisations that can help with substance abuse, visit https://www.supportline.org.uk/problems/drugs/