TV and radio star Roman Kemp openly talks about his mental health
TV and radio star Roman Kemp has revealed that he came close to taking his own life as he battled with depression for 13 years.
In a new documentary about mental health, the 28-year-old says that at his lowest point he seriously considered ending his life by jumping in front of a train.
He admitted that it was his mum, Wham! singer Shirlie Holliman, who saved him that day and apologised to her for not sharing his feelings at the time.
In the BBC Three documentary called Roman Kemp: Our Silent Emergency, the son of Spandau Ballet star Martin Kemp candidly discusses that part of the reason for his suicidal thoughts was that he believed he's only successful because of his dad's fame.
The 2019 I'm A Celebrity finalist bravely discusses how he's been on antidepressants since he was 15 and how just 18 months ago he found himself crippled by anxieties.
Revealing what it was he was anxious about, he told the documentary: "On everything: how I looked, what I was doing wrong work-wise, 'Am I doing my job because of who my dad is?, Am I being a good boyfriend?'.
"I remember saying to myself, ‘What’s the point? Why am I carrying on?'"
The death of his radio producer Joe Lyons last year inspired the popular DJ to film the documentary about male suicide.
Roman describes his best friend as being "like a brother" to him and admitted he had no idea Joe was struggling.
Shortly after Joe's death, Roman took to his Capital FM show to pay a moving tribute to him.
Roman Kemp Pays Tribute to Producer and Best Friend
"He was the very first person I met when I walked through the door," said Roman. "I remember thinking he was a bit of a Del Boy.
"He was with me right from my very first show. He taught me everything. I don’t know sitting in a radio studio without him."
In the documentary, Roman looks at why male suicide rates are high and the ways in which people can try to help others who may not be sharing their mental health problems.
He urges people to "get on the phone, speak to your friends, see if they’re all right," before insisting people "ask if they’re OK twice".