Roman Kemp is preparing to share his story and experiences with depression and suicide with the hopes that it saves someone from taking their life.
The Capital FM DJ has never shied away from discussing his own personal mental health struggles, having previously admitted he contemplated taking his own life in 2019.
Roman, 29, opened up during a BBC documentary explaining that he was sitting on his bedroom floor when he called his mum, Shirlie Kemp and asked for help after he came off antidepressants.
READ MORE: Roman Kemp threatens to ‘storm off’ The One Show set after brutal guest jibe
The Los Angeles born star faced further heartache when his best friend and colleague Joe Lyons took his own life in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic.
(Image: BBC)
Now, the Celebrity Gogglebox star is hoping that his self-penned book sharing his “honest feelings” will prevent any more lives from being taken.
He said: “I never intended to write a book at this age, I thought it was something I could perhaps do later in life.
“In the pandemic, my best mate Joe took his own life and it turned my whole world upside down.
(Image: BBC/TwoFour)
“Losing Joe made me start researching how many young men take their own lives every year and the answers shocked me.
“Suicide is the single biggest killer of men under the age of 40 in this country.”
Roman, who came third on I’m A Celebrity… Get Me Out Of Here! went on to add: “So I decided I would share my story if me opening up saves someone from taking their own life, it’s worth it.
(Image: bbc)
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“I promise it’s not all heavy going or doom and gloom, there will be a few1moments that make you laugh along the way.
“I just hope that by talking openly and honestly about my life, other young guys like me, guys like the ones you might know, and live with and love, might realise it’s ok to speak out about how they really feel.”
Roman had spent 13 years on antidepressants before deciding to come off them which left him in a vulnerable state.
Speaking to The Sun, he said: “All these pressures just came on top of me, I remember being in my bedroom not knowing what to do.
“That day, I thought about going to the train station and jumping in front of a train.”
(Image: MIRROR BOOKS)
But in August 2020, his world was rocked when he discovered that Joe, nicknamed ‘Producer Joe’ had taken his own life, while he, Sonny Jay and Sian Welby were live on Capital Breakfast.
The show came to an abrupt end with Roman taking time off work, before returning and breaking down in tears on air as he paid tribute to the late producer.
Roman Kemp Are You Really OK can be pre-ordered here and will be released on October 27.
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.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
