Romesh Ranganathan Opens Up About Struggle with Suicidal Thoughts After Friend’s Suicide

Romesh Ranganathan Opens Up About Suicidal Thoughts Following Friend’s Tragic Death

In a candid revelation, comedian and actor Romesh Ranganathan has shared the profound impact of losing a close friend to suicide, an event that led him to grapple with his own thoughts of self-harm. Ranganathan, who is set to host ITV’s Parents’ Evening, emphasized the importance of mental health awareness as a patron of the charity CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably).

Reflecting on his friend’s passing during a recent interview with The Times, Ranganathan recounted the deep bond they shared, which began when his friend was a teacher at the school where Ranganathan served as head of sixth form. Despite Ranganathan’s rising success in comedy since 2010, his friend remained a steadfast supporter, even driving him to open mic nights where he would perform to just a handful of people.

Tragedy struck three years ago when Ranganathan received the devastating news of his friend’s suicide while filming in Ethiopia. He recalled being off-grid for two days, only to return to a barrage of messages expressing disbelief over the loss. Ranganathan described his initial reaction as one of feeling culpable, believing he had somehow let his friend down.

As he processed the grief, Ranganathan became involved with CALM, where he plunged into discussions about mental health. He revealed that he has often struggled with his own mental well-being, admitting to moments of suicidal ideation. Ranganathan noted that the idea of escaping his distress seemed enticing during particularly stressful times.

During an appearance on The Diary of a CEO Podcast, he further explored the complexities of being a comedian, suggesting that many in the profession share a distinct outlook on life shaped by experiences of feeling like outsiders.

Ranganathan’s upcoming appearance on ITV1’s Parents’ Evening promises to highlight his journey and insights into mental health issues, encouraging others to seek support and share their struggles. His honest discourse on such a sensitive topic serves as a reminder of the importance of connection and understanding in the battle against mental health challenges.