Inside comedian Adrian Edmondson’s battle with suicidal thoughts and depression

English comedian and actor Adrian Edmondson is best known for his work in comedy series such as Bottom and The Young Ones, as a frequent collaborator of the late and great Rik Mayall. The 65-year-old celeb has had a very successful career over the years, scoring memorable roles and creating new sitcoms. In 1985, he got married to fellow actor and collaborator Jennifer Saunders, and the two share children together.

From the outside looking in, it would appear Edmondson’s got a pretty happy life. But behind closed doors, he’s dealt with a lot of mental health issues.

Trigger Warning: Suicide, Depression, Substance Abuse

As reported by the Daily Mail in May 2022, Edmondson appeared on BBC Radio and opened up about having suicidal thoughts throughout his life. Sadly, he struggled without seeking help for years and it was only until 2011 did he decide it was time to see a doctor after being urged by loved ones and after losing friends to suicide. Though he was hesitant to be put on medication because he didn’t want it to effect his work or creativity, it seems he’s in a much better place now with the medical attention.

Edmondson recalled of his former beliefs:

"“I think suicidal thoughts are normal. I’ve lived with them all my life. I’ve looked at Tube trains rushing into the stations… I’ve looked over cliffs. I’ve read up on the contents of the medical cabinet. I know how to do it.”"

He revealed that it wasn’t until 2007 that he began realizing that suicidal thoughts were “not normal,” leading him to, “get an inkling that I might be nuts.” He recalled dealing with the pain through drinking, and became an insomniac.

To sum up his experience, Edmondson concluded: “I can’t say that I’m normal but then I don’t think anyone is. We are all nuts.”

Fortunately, Edmondson has very supportive people in his life who are by his side throughout everything. His wife is a perfect example of that. Just last month, Jennifer Saunders revealed the secret to their happy marriage, telling You Magazine: “We’re lucky, neither of us really likes arguing. We just mess about and make jokes. I’m very unconfrontational.” Thank goodness for that.