Romesh Ranganathan Discusses Mental Health Challenges on Desert Island Discs
Romesh Ranganathan has shared his transformative journey regarding mental health on BBC Radio 4’s Desert Island Discs, revealing that he currently feels he is in “one of the best places I’ve ever been in my life.” This statement comes after a long struggle with mental health issues, including previous suicidal thoughts.
Finding Balance Through Activities
During his conversation with host Lauren Laverne, Ranganathan opened up about the methods he employs to find balance in his life. He mentioned that activities like running, reading, and practicing breathing exercises play a significant role in centering himself during difficult times. “Recognising it is half the battle,” he explained. “Sometimes, I just go through a dark period and know that I’ve got to do something about it.”
The comedian highlighted a common conflict he faces: determining how much of his personal journey to share. “You’ve got to be careful because it’s triggering for other people,” Ranganathan noted. He emphasized the importance of normalizing conversations around mental health, stating, “I’m trying to destigmatise it to make the conversation normal.” He acknowledged the sensitivity required when discussing mental health, especially related to traumatic experiences such as suicidal thoughts.
The Importance of Consistency
Ranganathan, now 47, reflected on how essential it is to consistently engage in activities that improve mental well-being. “When it comes to mental health, you often do things that work for you personally, and then for some reason, you just stop doing them,” he commented. With a touch of humor, he recalled thinking, “I’ve done that every day for a week, I’m really feeling better, shall I just stop? Yeah!” He laughed, recognizing the irony of realizing he feels worse after neglecting self-care.
A Look into His Life
Romesh Ranganathan also shared insights into his family’s background, describing the move of his parents from Sri Lanka to the UK in 1970, eight years before his birth. Ranganathan characterized his father as a vibrant personality who fully embraced British life, noting, “There’s a strong argument he should’ve implemented more boundaries than he did.” In contrast, he expressed regret for not fully appreciating his mother Shanthi’s challenges as a 19-year-old navigating life in a new country. “My mum is one of my heroes,” he stated, recognizing the struggles she faced while raising children far from her homeland.
Reflections on Regret and Personal Growth
The comedian recounted challenging memories from his teenage years, including his father’s imprisonment due to financial issues. “I’ve always struggled with mental health,” Ranganathan admitted. “But as I speak now, I feel I’m coming close to one of the best places I’ve ever been in my life mentally.” His candidness about his mental health journey allows listeners to see the reality behind his experiences and the importance of seeking help and engaging in positive activities.
| Mental Health Strategies | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Running | Boosts mood and physical health |
| Reading | Provides escape and relaxation |
| Breathing Exercises | Helps to center and calm the mind |
Romesh Ranganathan’s openness on Desert Island Discs serves as a reminder of the significance of mental health awareness and the importance of having conversations surrounding it. For more information and support on mental health issues, resources are available through the BBC Action Line.
