Comedian PJ Gallagher became emotional as he opened up about his mental health struggles on the Late Late Show tonight.
However, he sounded a positive and defiant tone as he said he “feels good”, remains “in control” of his life, and is ready to deal with depression when it returns.
Gallagher showed signs of emotion as it was a poignant time for the Naked Camera star to make an appearance as his twins turned 10-weeks-old, and his mother’s anniversary takes place on Sunday.
He talked about writing his new book, Madhouse: The Naked Truth about My Chaotic Childhood, Losing My Mind and Finding a Place to Call Home, and admitted that he had hidden the fact that both of his parents had struggled with alcoholism.
“I talked to my sister and asked if I should say something [about that]. And she said I couldn’t tell the story without saying that,” Gallagher said.
He recalled that his struggles with mental health and said it was the “shame” that “killed” him. “The only thing worse than existing for me was that people would know I was sick,” he told host Patrick Kielty.
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“I came as close to death as a person can come and I realised, ‘Why am I so afraid and why can’t I do normal things like have a normal family, and why have I ruined so many relationships?’” he recalled.
Kielty quoted Gallagher in his new book as saying “I know I’m going to get sick again, but I know I’m not going to get sick again.”
Gallagher explained that he has recurrent depressive disorder and said it’s inevitable that he will struggle with his mental health again.
However, he remains defiant in the face of this prospect.
“What I absolutely do know is, the next time it happens, I will absolutely be in control. I know what to do, I know how to deal with it, I know who to go to, I know what medication to take, I know never to be quiet.
“So it’s great to know, when it comes next time, I’m in charge,” he said.
Kielty remarked: “That’s all anyone wants when they wake up in the morning, is to be in charge of who they are.”
Fans on X (formerly Twitter) were quick to express their support for the funny man.
“I love PJ Gallagher. A totally authentic man and brave,” wrote one.
“PJ Gallagher is a legend and a gent,” said another. “Speaks such true words that so many people suffer with daily.”
Another person described him as “a total burst of fresh air” and said they were looking forward to reading his book.
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