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Popular Maltese Comedian Joe Demicoli Opens Up About His Battle With Depression

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He’s renowned as Malta’s king of satire, but Joe Demicoli showed a hitherto unknown side to him yesterday, recounting how he had suffered from depression for six years

“I started experiencing small problems in 2010 and, although I didn’t think much of it initially, the reality was they were impacting me slowly,” Demicoli said. “I started thinking my character was changing but eventually realised I was actually suffering from depression. Depression means immense and inexplicable sadness, it means waking up in the morning and instantly feeling heavy at having to face another day. Even food starts tasting acidic.”

Despite his depression, Demicoli continued performing comic routines on stage because he considered that the “best possible medicine”. 

“I took pills, but no pill worked as well for me as a microphone in my hand and a crowd in front of me,” he said. “Depression means bad thoughts that get so ingrained in your mind that they become part of who you are. Yet they are still thoughts and, although it’s not easy, they can be replaced with good ones.”

Nickie Vella de Fremaux, wife of Opposition leader Adrian Delia and ambassador of the #StopTheStigma mental health awareness campaign, praised Joe Demicoli for having the courage to speak out. 

“Known for his comical prowess, he never spoke out about his battle with mental illness not because of the stigma but because people thought he as joking. He certainly wasn’t, not at all,” she said. “Well doe, Joe. You stood up to be counted without fear – you wanted to make a difference – keep up the good work and together let us stop the stigma.”

If you feel the need to talk to someone about your mental health or about someone you care for, or are looking for more information, or simply need someone to listen to you, please call 179. Alternatively, visit www.kellimni.com to get in touch online

READ NEXT: Young Man ‘Fired For Being Bipolar’ Gives Damning Indictment On Malta’s Attitude Towards Mental Illnesses

Tim is interested in the rapid evolution of human society and is passionate about justice, human rights and cutting-edge political debates. You can follow him on Instagram or Twitter/X at @timdiacono or reach out to him at [email protected]

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