Roman Kemp has revealed he’s stopped taking anti-depressants for the first time since he was 15.
The 31-year-old presenter, who has been taking medication for his depression since his teens, insisted he’s ‘neither for or against taking anti-depressants’ but he feels ‘ready to move on’.
In a statement on Instagram, he said: ‘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.’
The former Capital Breakfast host said he’s looking forward to ‘understanding what [his] emotional side’ is like.
He continued: ‘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.
‘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.’
Roman acknowledged the role medication has played in managing his own mental health struggles.
‘They helped me through a long period of mental struggle in my life but I’m now ready to move on,’ he added. ‘Only posting this in case anyone was ever worried about starting/stopping.’
A number of Roman’s famous pals replied to his post looking for advice on their own struggles, or offering support.
‘Oh mate well done, this is such a big deal. Start of a new era. So proud of you ❤️,’ commented Sian Welby.
And Professor Green wrote: ‘Would love to bend your ear at some point bro, i started an ssri for my ocd recently and also begun medicating newly diagnosed combined adhd…
‘Not sure where i sit with it all as always been anti meds – but realised i’d been self medicating + dopamine seeking the whole time – sending love. huge step after all that time ❤️.’
Maya Jama and Davina McCall replied with love hearts, while Alison Hammond simply wrote ‘love you’, and Hannah Waddingham said: ‘Brilliant,brilliant post. ❤️❤️’
The NHS notes that while ‘it’s not known exactly how antidepressants work’, it’s believed they increase ‘levels of chemicals in the brain called neurotransmitters’, with serotonin and noradrenaline among those linked to mood and emotion.
They are usually used alongside therapy, side effects varying depending on the type of medication.
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The NHS adds that you should talk to your doctor before coming off antidepressants rather than stop taking them ‘suddenly’.
Roman has been candid about his struggles with depression, and earlier this year Roman thanked his Capital Breakfast listeners for ‘saving his life’ and bringing him ‘light and laughter’.
He previously told Steph’s Packed Lunch: ‘I’ve had a lot of troubles of my own, I’ve dealt with suicidal thoughts, I’ve been on anti-depressants for 15 years of my life.
‘I feel that, sometimes, if my brain gets in a situation where it feels like it’s been beaten up by Mike Tyson, I feel like I’m in a boxing ring and not had one boxing lesson.’
Need support?
For emotional support, you can call the Samaritans 24-hour helpline on 116 123, email jo@samaritans.org, visit a Samaritans branch in person or go to the Samaritans website.
Their HOPELINE247 is open every day of the year, 24 hours a day. You can call 0800 068 4141, text 88247 or email: pat@papyrus-uk.org.
