Martin Kemp Shares Concerns About Son Roman’s Mental Health
In a heartfelt conversation, Martin Kemp, known for his role in EastEnders, has opened up about his worries regarding his son Roman’s mental wellbeing. Roman, at the age of 32, bravely shared his struggles with depression and mental health challenges in his documentary ‘Our Silent Emergency,’ shedding light on a painful moment when he found himself on the brink of suicide. The film also touched upon the deep sorrow Roman experienced after losing his close friend Joe Lyons to suicide.
Expressing his concerns, Martin Kemp highlighted the potential impact of Roman’s advocacy on his own mental health. In a candid moment on the podcast FFS! My dad is Martin Kemp, Martin expressed his anxiety, saying, “I worry about you doing this, I worry about it. Because I know that, from being an actor, that when you convince yourself and talk about things so much that it would come down heavily on you, on your psychological health, that’s what I worry about from you doing this.”
Despite his worries, Martin Kemp acknowledged the importance of Roman’s advocacy efforts, recognizing the value in opening up about mental health struggles. Roman, reflecting on his journey, shared that revisiting the trauma he experienced after Joe’s passing has had a transformative effect on him. He mentioned, “Reliving the trauma actually helps me. Like, the more I talk about it, the more it dilutes the story and you become semi-detached.”
Challenging Perceptions on Masculinity and Mental Health
In their conversation, Roman and Martin delved into the topic of masculinity and mental health, emphasizing that mental health challenges are not exclusive to a particular gender. Roman pointed out that, based on his conversations, a significant number of individuals seeking help for mental health issues are female. He questioned the common assumption that mental health struggles are primarily a “man’s problem,” highlighting the need to reevaluate societal perceptions.
Martin Kemp raised a thought-provoking question about the disparity between suicidal thoughts and actual suicide rates, particularly among different genders. While statistics show that women are more likely to experience suicidal thoughts, men are at a higher risk of dying by suicide. Organizations like the mental health charity Mind have also highlighted the prevalence of mental health issues within the LGBTQ community and alarming figures related to young women facing mental health challenges.
Seeking Support and Raising Awareness
As the conversation around mental health continues to evolve, it is crucial to destigmatize discussions and encourage individuals to seek support when needed. Organizations like the Samaritans offer a 24-hour helpline for emotional support, emphasizing the importance of reaching out during challenging times. By sharing personal stories and advocating for mental health awareness, individuals like Roman Kemp play a vital role in promoting open dialogue and creating a supportive environment for those facing similar struggles.
In conclusion, Martin Kemp’s candid expression of concern for his son Roman’s mental health serves as a reminder of the importance of supporting loved ones through difficult times. By sharing their experiences and challenging societal norms, the Kemps contribute to a broader conversation on mental health, encouraging empathy, understanding, and proactive measures to address mental health challenges in our communities. Let us continue to prioritize mental well-being and foster a culture of compassion and support for those in need.
