Romesh Ranganathan on his mental health struggles

Romesh Ranganathan has candidly shared his experiences with suicidal thoughts, stating he's now in one of the best places he's ever been. The comedian has experienced several periods of suicidal ideation but believes recognizing these feelings is a crucial part of managing them. He emphasizes the importance of talking about mental health and normalizing these discussions, although he acknowledges the need to approach such topics sensitively.

Ranganathan's revelations came during an appearance on Radio 4's Desert Island Discs, where he also discussed his family's journey from Sri Lanka to the UK. He described his father, Ranga, as a 'tornado' who embraced British life, while his mother, Shanthi, faced more challenges adapting. Despite past family difficulties, including his father's legal issues, Ranganathan has reconciled with him.

In addition to his personal stories, Ranganathan, who currently hosts shows on Radio 2 and The Weakest Link, reflected on his career. He admitted there’s no master plan in his work choices, instead opting for what feels right. However, he is considering taking more breaks to spend time with family, clarifying it’s not a retirement announcement. He humorously noted that a simple walk in the park could inspire his next stand-up idea.

Ranganathan concluded by expressing his deep respect for teachers, recalling his own high-stress experience in the profession before finding a far more relaxed path in comedy. As a music enthusiast, he selected tracks from artists like Kanye West and Eminem for his Desert Island Discs appearance.

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Source: Chortle (UK)

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