Ranganathan opens up about mental health struggle

Romesh Ranganathan, a popular comedian and broadcaster, recently opened up about his long journey with mental health challenges. He revealed that after many difficult years, he now feels like he is in one of the best mental places he has ever experienced. Romesh shared that he uses several methods to help himself when he feels low, including running, reading, and practicing breathing exercises. He emphasized that recognizing when you are struggling is a crucial step toward feeling better. Romesh explained that sometimes he goes through dark periods, but he understands the importance of taking action to improve his mental state. He also discussed the delicate balance of sharing his mental health experiences publicly. While he wants to normalize conversations about mental health and reduce stigma, he is also aware that talking about such topics can be triggering for some people. Romesh said that mental health should be discussed as openly as physical health, but with sensitivity to those who have been affected deeply. Despite the challenges, he believes that the benefits of talking about mental health outweigh the risks.

In addition to his mental health journey, Romesh highlighted the importance of maintaining habits that support well-being. He noticed that when he feels better, he sometimes stops doing the activities that helped him, like running or reading, only to find himself feeling worse later. He humorously admitted that he often forgets to keep up these positive routines. Romesh, who began his comedy career in the early 2010s and now hosts a weekend show on BBC Radio 2, also spoke about his family background. His parents moved from Sri Lanka to the UK before he was born. Romesh described his father as a lively man who embraced British life with enthusiasm, often going out and socializing. However, Romesh joked that his father might have needed to set more boundaries at home.

Romesh also expressed deep admiration for his mother, whom he called one of his heroes. She moved to the UK at 19 and faced the challenge of raising children in a foreign country. Romesh admitted that he did not fully appreciate her struggles when he was younger. When he was 12, his father faced financial difficulties and was later imprisoned for two years due to fraud. This period was especially tough for Romesh, as he was also preparing for his A-level exams. His father passed away in 2011. Romesh candidly shared that he has experienced suicidal thoughts at various points in his life but now feels mentally stronger than ever. By sharing his story, he hopes to encourage others to talk openly about mental health and seek help when needed.