How I Overcame My Darkest Moment - Crohn's & Depression Recovery. SO Rock Bottom 44: Gareth Berliner

This episode is about how, when life throws everything at you, the choice to keep going can change everything. Gareth Berliner opens up about living with Crohn’s disease, short gut syndrome (short bowel syndrome) and ADHD. After enduring years of surgeries, pain, and battling severe depression, Gareth reached his breaking point. In a moment where life or death was on the line, an unexpected realisation made him choose life—leading him to an unlikely savior: comedy. From Comedian to now actor, Gareth’s story isn’t just about survival. It’s about finding love and discovering that the hardest struggles can lead to the most beautiful of journeys. If you’ve ever felt like giving up, Gareth’s journey will make you think twice. His raw honesty and resilience show that rock bottom isn’t the end—it’s the start of something bigger. More on Gareth - Gareth Berliner, a true Cockney born within the sound of Bow Bells but raised in Redbridge, Essex, began his stand-up comedy career in 2003. He’s graced stages at festivals, corporate events, and gigs across the UK and internationally. Beyond comedy Gareth is passionate about mental health, having spoken publicly on the topic and running workshops for the disabled and neurodiverse. Gareth transitioned into acting, landing a role on Coronation Street that expanded from two episodes to over 20. Since then, he’s appeared in Doctor Who, Eastenders, The Bastard Executioner, The Essex Serpent & the animated film Mog's Xmas & he has even shared the screen with his wife - actress Kiruna Stamell in Doctors. Topics - 0:00 Intro 3:15 Gareth's rock bottom 13:05 How Crohn's disease saved my life 14:05 Gareth's mental health prior to suicide attempt 16:05 Was Gareth's depression situational only? 18:20 From suicide to an amazing life 21:55 Comedy saved my life 24:30 Let's talk about hope! 31:00 Getting back into work 35:00 Do you need the darkness to access the light? 37:00 ADHD, dopamine, weed & coke! 44:35 If you had of died what would you have missed out on? If you have been affected by these topics, Gareth suggests the following support - CALM: 0800 585858 The Samaritans: 116123 or email [email protected] This Podcast is not for profit but my goal is to break even. To help me make more please donate here. Thank you! https://bit.ly/3kSucAs Follow Gareth Website: https://garethberliner.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/garethberliner Follow Oliver Instagram - https://bit.ly/3IemHLY Facebook - http://bit.ly/3w8S1Gx TikTok - https://bit.ly/3YGLsYm LinkedIn - http://bit.ly/3kp4ymC Threads - https://bit.ly/3svw7yL X - http://bit.ly/3GQYj2l Please subscribe, follow, like, leave a review and comment! YouTube - https://bit.ly/40buWDc Spotify - https://bit.ly/3Ygumlb Apple - https://apple.co/3PajZvQ #mentalhealth #suicidepreventionawareness #crohns