Comedian Romesh Ranganathan has opened up about the moment that saw him consider taking his own life, saying it was one of the lowest points he's had. Romesh has spoken out on World Mental Health Day, October 10, as suicide prevention charity, Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM), has named him patron.

Romesh is hoping to help the charity raise £1million to provide vital support services. He said: "Back when I was a teenager, my dad was sent to prison, and it led to me considering taking my own life.

"It's a moment that sits alongside the other low points I've had that have really hammered home just how vital help is when you're struggling. I'm becoming CALM Patron because I know talking about suicide really does make a difference and that anyone can hit rock bottom.

"It's vital we all understand that those feelings won't last forever, so I'll be helping to make sure more people know about CALM's life-saving services and raising as much money as I can to support as many people as possible."

With 125 lives lost to suicide each week in the UK, which equates to eighteen people per day, suicide is now the single biggest killer of men under 50 and the leading cause of death among children and young adults aged five to 34 in the UK.

The announcement of Romesh's new role comes as part of an open letter posted on the charity’s website, in which the comedian and presenter talks candidly about his struggles with poor mental health and suicidal ideation, something experienced by one in five people in the UK.

Romesh added: "Despite cracking jokes for a living, I’ve had many low points in my life which have hammered home just how important help is when you’re struggling. I’m not sure where I’d be today if I didn’t get help when I hit rock bottom. In fact, I don’t know if I’d be here at all.

"Back when I was a teenager I was faced with a turbulent time at home when my dad was sent to prison. A lot of stuff built up and some rubbish A-level results were the icing on a shitty cake. It felt like things turned to crap pretty swiftly. It was around this time that I seriously thought about taking my own life.

"I’d fantasise about a time when I didn’t feel like shit and taking my own life seemed like the only way to achieve that. There’s no getting around it, in those moments when you feel that low it feels like an instant way to make it go away. But it’s that old cliché - suicide is a permament solution to a temporary problem. I’ve become CALM Patron because I don’t want anyone to struggle alone like I did for so long.

"Talking to someone about what’s really going on in your head is the hardest part - it’s a bit like eating broccoli, you don’t want to do that thing, but you’ll feel better as a result."

To help highlight the issue, CALM and Romesh created a short film in which the charity has bestowed him with the ceremonial CALM hip-hop chain and knuckle duster, handing the baton from the previous Patron, Professor Green. Supported by data showing that 80% of suicide survivors believe their attempt was preventable, and 64% believe their family and friends could have made a difference, the launch of the campaign aims to offer a message of hope to the 160,000 attempting suicide each year and the many more affected by it.

Romesh said: "At uni I plucked up the courage to get help and talking about what was going on got me back on track. Initially I was embarrassed about seeing a therapist. I kept it a secret from my mum and my mates, telling people I was going to the gym. Although when people noticed no discernible difference in my body shape I think they became suspicious.

"I realise now that it was nothing to be ashamed of. It’s one of the reasons why I want to become CALM Patron, because talking really does make a difference. It’s absurd that 18 people in the UK die because of suicide every day. I want to show that no matter how bad things feel, there’s always a reason to stay.

"Anyone can hit rock bottom and 1 in 5 of us will have suicidal thoughts, but it’s vital we all understand that those feelings won’t last forever. I’m not saying everything’s sunshine and rainbows now - I still get low points where externally it looks like everything is great, but you can’t predict when those moments are going to hit you."

Simon Gunning, CEO of the Campaign Against Living Miserably, said: “Romesh has been an incredible supporter of CALM for many years, helping to smash the silence around suicide by normalising chatting about mental health and encouraging people to find support when they need it most. Against a pretty bleak backdrop in which rates of suicide continue to rise, and 125 lives are lost each week, we are excited for Romesh to be named CALM Patron and help us in the fight against suicide in the UK."

In the face of these stats and the backdrop of the cost of living crisis, CALM’s message remains clear: anyone can be suicidal, but together, we can save lives. By smashing outdated stereotypes. By learning life-saving skills. By talking. By sharing stories and supporting each other.

The charity has a range of practical guides featuring expert advice and support to help anyone who may be struggling, including one on how to help someone who’s feeling suicidal and another on what to do if you’re worried about someone.