Irish comedian and radio presenter PJ Gallagher has opened up about his battle with depression and anxiety, describing mental illness as “a liar that lives in your head.” In a candid interview with RTÉ Radio 1’s Brendan O’Connor Show, Gallagher shared the pivotal moment he sought help after hitting rock bottom, crediting his friend Stefanie Preissner for saving his life.

The Night Everything Changed

Gallagher, 51, recounted waking up at 4:30 a.m. During a severe depressive episode, convinced he wouldn’t survive the day. “I had this clear thought that I wouldn’t notice the conclude of the day,” he said. At that moment, he received a message from Preissner, an Irish writer and actress known for her work on RTÉ’s Can’t Cope, Won’t Cope and The Walsh Sisters. Her words—”no time is too early, no time is too late. If you need me, call me”—became his lifeline.

“I called her and ended up at her house. It was a pivotal moment. I decided I can’t stay like this.”

— PJ Gallagher

Gallagher admitted his initial resistance to seeking professional help, fearing stigma and career repercussions. “I thought as soon as someone knows how I feel, I’ll never recover from it—I’ll lose my job, I’ll lose my friends,” he said. His experience mirrors a broader issue in Ireland, where mental health struggles often move unaddressed due to shame and misinformation.

Breaking the Stigma: A Personal Mission

Gallagher’s journey is documented in the 2024 RTÉ documentary PJ Gallagher: Changing My Mind, where he explores mental health challenges in Ireland. The film follows his recovery after a lifesaving stay at St Patrick’s Mental Health Services, where he confronted his condition head-on.

“When I started out doing comedy 25 years ago, the last thing I thought I would be doing was talking about mental illness,” Gallagher admitted. “But my mission now is to have a conversation and get other people to talk about it too.”

His advocacy work includes partnering with mental health organizations to dismantle stigma, particularly among men. According to Pieta House, while suicide is the leading cause of death for men under 25 in Ireland, 70% of its service users are female—a disparity Gallagher attributes to societal expectations around masculinity.

Key Takeaways from Gallagher’s Story

• Mental illness distorts reality: Gallagher’s description of depression as a “liar” highlights how the condition can warp self-perception and isolate individuals.
• Support systems save lives: Preissner’s timely intervention underscores the importance of trusted relationships in mental health crises.
• Stigma is a barrier: Gallagher’s initial fear of judgment reflects a broader cultural issue, particularly for men, who may avoid seeking help due to shame.
• Recovery is possible: His documentary and ongoing advocacy demonstrate that mental health struggles don’t have to define a person’s future.

Why Gallagher’s Message Matters

Gallagher’s openness about his struggles arrives at a critical time for mental health awareness in Ireland. Recent data from the Health Service Executive (HSE) shows a 20% increase in demand for mental health services since 2020, with young adults and men disproportionately affected. Yet, stigma remains a significant hurdle, particularly in male-dominated spaces like comedy and media.

“I’ve learned there’s no right or wrong way to talk about it,” Gallagher said. “No one is going to share you that just talking will make you better, but you have to start talking to find what will.”

How to Seek Help

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, resources are available:

• Pieta House: Free 24/7 support for suicidal ideation and self-harm. Call 1800 247 247 or text HELP to 51444.
• Samaritans Ireland: Confidential listening service. Call 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.ie.
• HSE Mental Health Services: Local support and crisis intervention. Visit hse.ie for more information.

The Road Ahead

Gallagher’s story is a reminder that mental health is not a solitary battle. By sharing his experience, he’s challenging the silence that often surrounds depression and anxiety, particularly in industries where vulnerability is mistaken for weakness. His documentary and advocacy work offer a blueprint for others to follow—one conversation at a time.

As he continues to co-host Radio Nova’s breakfast show and raise awareness, Gallagher’s message is clear: “The illness is a liar. But the truth? You’re not alone.”