ROMAN Kemp's new documentary had fans in tears as he opened up about his secret struggle with depression.

Viewers flooded social media to support the 28-year-old radio host, who revealed his mental health crisis followed the suicide of his best friend.

Friends and fans reached out to commend Roman for his "brave and honest" broadcast as they were "moved to tears" by his message.

The Capital Breakfast host told for the first time how he lost close friend Joe Lyons "without any warning" in August last year.

TV personality Roman had been working alongside the 31-year-old for seven years and had "no idea he was struggling" with his mental health.

He was seen breaking down in tears in the BBC Three documentary Our Silent Emergency as he discussed his reaction, and opened up about his own struggle with depression.


Roman revealed that he's been talking sertraline, a type of antidepressant medication, for since he was a teenager.

"These are thoughts that I've been dealing with in my own head since I was around 15," he tells the documentary cameras.

"When I'm in that place where I haven't taken my meds there's a part of me that just [thinks] there's no way out.

"It's like there's five doors in front of you and all of them have cement behind them. You feel trapped. You've got no perspective of a way out and it's a horrible place to be."


Heartbroken fans took to Twitter to show their support, as well as celebs including Niall Horan, singer Tom Grennan and TV stars Dick & Dom.

"That was eye opening and beautiful all at the same time," former One Direction member Niall wrote. "We all must look out for each other."

"What a truly emotional, thought provoking and well articulated documentary," Dick & Dom chimed in. "You will have helped many."

Little Bit Of Love singer Tom hailed the documentary a "must watch" as viewers began to share their own experiences.


YOU’RE NOT ALONE

EVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost to suicide.

It doesn't discriminate, touching the lives of people in every corner of society – from the homeless and unemployed to builders and doctors, reality stars and footballers.

It's the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes.

And men are three times more likely to take their own life than women.

Yet it's rarely spoken of, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage unless we all stop and take notice, now.

That is why The Sun launched the You're Not Alone campaign.

The aim is that by sharing practical advice, raising awareness and breaking down the barriers people face when talking about their mental health, we can all do our bit to help save lives.

Let's all vow to ask for help when we need it, and listen out for others… You're Not Alone.

If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support:

  • CALM, www.thecalmzone.net, 0800 585 858
  • Heads Together, www.headstogether.org.uk
  • Mind, www.mind.org.uk, 0300 123 3393
  • Papyrus, www.papyrus-uk.org, 0800 068 41 41
  • Samaritans, www.samaritans.org, 116 123

"After watching Roman's documentary I cried for 3 hours and realised I wasn't OK, so I messaged my best friend to talk," one man wrote.

"This documentary could save people's lives," another added. "Feeling so emotional after watching. This is so powerful."

"I was moved to tears," a third said. "Eye-opening watch that is so important for us all. Thank you for doing this, Roman."

Another concluded: "This breaks my heart. Thank you for taking antidepressants on TV and removing the taboo, Roman."


Roman previously opened up about how he considered suicide at his lowest point in his ongoing battle with depression.

In the documentary, Roman discusses how his mum, Wham! singer Shirlie Holliman, 58, came to his aid before making an attempt.

And, in the show, he can be heard confessing to her in an emotional moment: “That day I thought about going to the train station and jumping in front of a train. I’m sorry I never told you that.”

And he says his suicidal thoughts are partly fuelled by a fear he has found success only because his dad is Spandau Ballet musician Martin Kemp, 59.

“I remember saying to myself, ‘What’s the point? Why am I carrying on?'," Roman continued.

The 2019 I’m A Celebrity finalist concluded the documentary with simple ways to help friends who may be hiding mental health problems.

He urges: “Get on the phone, speak to your friends, see if they’re all right — and ask if they’re OK twice.”

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