Politics
Roman Kemp reveals mum Shirlie ‘saved his life’ during mental health crisis 18 months ago
ROMAN Kemp has opened up on suffering “majorly” from depression since the age of 15 and how his mum saved him as he felt the “lowest in his life” 18 months ago.
The Capital FM host, 28, told how he enlisted the help of parent Shirlie Holliman when he became “in such a state” and “just wanted the state to stop.”
Roman Kemp has told how his mum Shirlie ‘saved’ his life amid his mental health battles 18 months ago[/caption]
In a candid chat with The Times, the breakfast show host, who recently lost best pal Joe Lyons, told of his support network when he first started to battle with his mental health.
Roman, whose father is Spandau Ballet legend Martin Kemp, told the publication: “I have the best parents any kid could ever imagine. I had the best upbringing anyone could ever imagine.
“I have a safe place that I can call home. I have great friends. But at the age of 15 I suffered majorly with depression.
“Since then I’ve taken antidepressants and that’s just part of my life.
Roman, 28, candidly admitted he has been taking anti depressants since the age of 15[/caption]
The Capital Breakfast presenter bravely admitted how Pepsi and Shirlie singer Shirlie drove to London and stayed on the phone with him during one of the ‘lowest’ points of his life[/caption]
Roman told how he did not understand the swathe of negative thoughts coming at a ‘phenomenal’ time of his career[/caption]
“I know how dark it can get if ever I come off of those tablets and those kinds of thoughts come into play.”
The I’m A Celeb star then opened up on how his mind health issues continue to have an impact and, while he is “super happy” when broadcasting, they can strike at any time.
He bravely spoke out about his mental health crisis 18 months ago, which he suffered while sitting on the floor of his flat.
He told how he could not understand the feelings during what was a “absolutely phenomenal” time in his career and work profile.
Roman’s dad is Spandau Ballet singer Martin Kemp[/caption]
The broadcaster admitted things could get ‘dark’ if he came off his medication[/caption]
Roman told how he called Pepsi and Shirlie singer Shirlie and she stayed on the phone with him as she travelled to London to be with him.
He then candidly admitted the day was “the lowest in my life I’ve ever been.”
Earlier this year, The Sun reported how Roman will front a BBC programme covering the death of his colleague and pal Joe last year.
He was devastated when Capital Radio producer Joe died suddenly last August.
Roman lost close pal Joe Lyons in August last year[/caption]
Joe worked on the Breakfast Show and was Roman’s mentor[/caption]
Joe worked on the Breakfast Show and was Roman’s mentor when he started at the station in 2014.
In the one-off special, Roman will talk intimately about the days following the awful news and also investigate why male suicide rates are so high and what can be done to help others who are struggling.
Having not realised the true extent of Joe’s struggles, Roman has urged his listeners to reach out to friends and family if they are not coping mentally.
A source said: “Roman now wants to send that message in a more formal way with a whole show dedicated to Joe, in the hope it helps others.
Roman will soon front a BBC programme covering Joe’s death[/caption]
The I’m A Celeb star hopes the show will help others who are struggling[/caption]
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“With so many people isolating due to the pandemic and feeling detached from their normal lives and friends, it was felt this message of support could not come at a better time and will hopefully make a difference to those who may well be experiencing similar feelings.”
After taking a break in the days that followed Joe’s death, Roman spoke warmly about his late friend.
The pair’s working relationship quickly turned into an important friendship for them both.
Roman said: “He was with me right from my very first show. He taught me everything I didn’t know about sitting in a radio studio.”
