Roman Kemp has opened up honestly about a challenging emotional experience he faced after choosing to stop taking his mental health medication.
In a recent episode of the ‘You About?’ podcast, Roman spoke candidly with musician Tom Grennan about the side effects of discontinuing antidepressants. He described an intense period where “everything” caused him to cry, marking a difficult phase in his mental health journey.
The One Show presenter admitted that speaking out about his medication sparked mixed reactions—some praised his honesty, while others accused him of “glamourising” antidepressant use. He clarified that while the medication helped him manage anxiety, it isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution.
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Roman shared, “When I first came off it, for about six months, everything was making me cry. I could see a picture of a baby and I’d start crying. It was mental.” Despite feeling confident initially about stopping the medication, he soon realized its effects were more significant than he’d anticipated.
He recounted discussing the decision with his family, who expressed concern about how he felt after coming off the drugs. Roman admitted that part of him had believed the medication acted like a placebo, but the experience proved otherwise.
Having battled depression, anxiety, and ADD for over 16 years, Roman is a passionate advocate for mental health awareness, including his involvement in the BBC documentary “Roman Kemp: The Fight For Young Lives.”
According to the NHS, antidepressants are prescribed to treat conditions such as clinical depression, OCD, and PTSD. While these medications can be effective, they may also cause side effects, which typically ease as the body adjusts.
Importantly, the NHS advises that anyone thinking about stopping antidepressants should consult their GP and follow a gradual dosage reduction plan. Abruptly stopping medication can lead to withdrawal symptoms like restlessness, sleep disturbances, sweating, stomach problems, and mood changes.
Roman’s honest insights highlight the complex emotions involved in managing mental health treatment and emphasize the importance of professional guidance when adjusting medication.