VIDEO: Al Porter praised for speaking openly and honestly about his use of anti-depressants
Tallaght comedian Al Porter has been praised for his honesty in opening up about his experience of dealing with depression and using anti-depressants.
Speaking on RTE’s Cutting Edge with Brendan O’Connor last night, the Springfield native discussed the stigma around using anti-depressants and how a friend of his helped him realise that sometimes they can be required because of a physical imbalance rather than a person’s circumstances.
He said: “A friend of mine said to me If you’re not enjoying everything that you’re getting and you’re having a great time and a great life and winning all these things, having a fabulous time and making everybody laugh, maybe it’s not your circumstances, maybe it’s a physical thing, maybe it’s an imbalance,”
He continued: “I never thought I would be that person. Nobody in my family would think I would be that person.”
Al also revealed that he had called his mother ahead of last night’s show to speak to her about his use of anti-depressants as he had not previously told her, and would hide them from her in his house.
“I’ve been hiding (anti-depressants) in my house. I’ve had my friend go and pick them up because I don’t want to collect the prescription.
“I’ve had the prescription written out to different names other than my own.”
Across social media there was huge praise for Al’s honesty, with many people welcoming his openness on the discussion.
Can President Higgins please ring @TheAlPorter and appoint him as the Minister for Common Sense #CuttingEdge
— Eoin Coyne (@Eoin_Coyne) November 16, 2016
@TheAlPorter Great to hear u being so honest about anti depressants on #CuttingEdge. U’ll help many people by talking – huge congrats
— CanTeen Ireland (@CanTeen_Ireland) November 16, 2016
@TheAlPorter ~ Took a serious amount of balls to share your story of depression. You’ve paved the way for others to speak out #CuttingEdge https://t.co/KufRs0iykz
— Dr. Malie Coyne (@MalieCoyne) November 16, 2016
Well done to @TheAlPorter for speaking out about his mental health battle on #CuttingEdge which such honesty. I admire that courage.
— Denise Harding (@DeniseHRocks) November 16, 2016
Fair play to @TheAlPorter on his honesty about his depression, wasn’t easy for him to speak about, well done #CuttingEdge
— Valerie Hanlon (@Valshemon) November 16, 2016
Fair play to @TheAlPorter – a hugely difficult and important topic spoken about with such honesty #CuttingEdge
— Carol Fanning (@carolbrady0) November 16, 2016
Very well spoken and Brave @TheAlPorter not an easy thing to do.Your words will no doubt benefit so many. #CuttingEdge #depression #
— David Evans (@EvansDavey) November 17, 2016
Well done & Thank you @TheAlPorter on behalf of all youths with MH issues. You’re an absolute legend #CuttingEdge https://t.co/e4npMgrtbN
— Ashling dunphy (@Is_mise_aisling) November 17, 2016
#CuttingEdge @TheAlPorter talking openly about #depression #antidepressants and the stigma on #mentalhealth hold my hat up to him
— Ashling Merriman pbp (@AshAshling) November 16, 2016
@TheAlPorter, listening to your courage to destigmatize taking antidepressants was incredible. Wishing you well #CuttingEdge
— Ali Fox (@AliFox87) November 16, 2016
