Romesh Ranganathan, a comedian, has opened up about his mental health struggles and how they have motivated him to participate in the London Marathon in support of mental health charity CALM. Having experienced suicidal thoughts in the past, Romesh decided to challenge himself by running the marathon and raising awareness for the charity. He pledged to match the donations contributed and highlighted the importance of CALM’s work in helping those dealing with mental health issues.
In a conversation with Gabby Logan on BBC Sport, Romesh shared insights into his motivation for running the marathon and his commitment to matching the donations received. Acknowledging his own struggles with mental health, Romesh emphasized the need to raise awareness and funds for life-saving services like those provided by CALM. Reflecting on his past experiences, Romesh expressed gratitude for the help he received during difficult times and aims to support others facing similar challenges.
Romesh shared his personal journey with mental health, recounting moments of contemplating suicide and battling an inner voice that criticized his abilities as a father and husband. Despite facing challenges and self-doubt, Romesh finds comfort in his love for stand-up comedy and the therapeutic impact it has on his life. Through his successful career, Romesh has found solace and healing in making people laugh, while also using humor as a coping mechanism to navigate his mental health struggles.
The comedian’s upbringing was marked by familial difficulties, including his father leaving and being jailed for fraud when Romesh was young. Following his father’s death, Romesh and his brother turned to humor as a way to cope with the grief and navigate their struggles together. Romesh’s experiences growing up have shaped his perspective on mental health and the role that humor can play in helping individuals address their challenges.
Romesh has been vocal about the importance of using humor to address mental health issues and normalize conversations around topics like therapy and emotional well-being. By incorporating humor into his stand-up routines, Romesh aims to break down barriers and encourage open discussions about mental health in society. He views comedy as a powerful tool to connect with others, share personal experiences, and bring light to difficult subjects in a relatable and engaging way.
Through his journey from teaching to stand-up comedy, Romesh has found a sense of purpose in using humor to navigate life’s challenges and support others dealing with mental health struggles. By leveraging his platform to raise awareness, share personal experiences, and advocate for mental health resources, Romesh hopes to make a positive impact in destigmatizing mental health issues and promoting open conversations in society.
