Don Lemon Opens Up About Using Antidepressants Post CNN Departure: A Vital Support

Don Lemon Went on Antidepressants After CNN Firing Helped Get Me Through

Don Lemon Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic/Getty Images

Don Lemon, 58, shared on the Tamron Hall Show that he had to start taking antidepressants after he was let go from CNN in April last year.

"I have experienced depression in the past. I currently take an antidepressant and I am open about it," Lemon shared with host Tamron Hall. "It really supported me during a challenging time, like when I lost my job and was let go."

He also mentioned that he engages in various therapies to support his mental health and overall wellness.

"I currently participate in talk therapy, but my doctor has also guided me through therapy with medication," he shared. "I'm not sure if it was ketamine specifically, but he suggested exploring options beyond SSRI antidepressants. Some people with PTSD have found relief through medication, but it's crucial to always seek guidance from a medical professional."

Don Lemon Went on Antidepressants After CNN Firing Helped Get Me Through

Psychedelic therapy involves taking a psychedelic substance as part of a psychotherapeutic process, according to Healthline. It is often combined with talk therapy. These substances can be derived from plants like psilocybin (magic mushrooms), DMT, peyote, ayahuasca, and ibogaine. There are also chemical compounds used such as ketamine, MDMA, and LSD.

It is not clear which medications Lemon has taken while under his doctor's supervision.

Lemon was let go from CNN in April 2023 following a 17-year tenure. He started at the network in 2006, hosting Don Lemon Tonight for over eight years, and co-anchoring CNN This Morning with Poppy Harlow and Kaitlan Collins.

CNN CEO Chris Licht expressed gratitude for Don's contributions over the past 17 years, stating that Don will always be part of the CNN family. Licht also wished Don well in his future endeavors, promising to cheer him on.

In response, Don Lemon expressed his shock in a statement on X (formerly Twitter), revealing that he was never given any indication that he would not be able to continue doing the work he loves at the network.

CNN responded to his statement with a statement of their own, pointing out that he had been given the chance to meet with management but chose to make his statement on Twitter instead.

Editor's P/S:

Don Lemon's candid admission about his mental health struggles and the use of antidepressants after his departure from CNN highlights the importance of addressing mental health issues in the workplace. Lemon's openness about his experiences can help break down stigmas associated with depression and encourage others to seek support when needed. His mention of exploring psychedelic therapy options also sheds light on the potential benefits of alternative treatment methods for mental health conditions.

Lemon's departure from CNN, despite his long tenure and contributions, raises questions about the challenges faced by veteran journalists in the rapidly evolving media landscape. The statement released by CNN, indicating that Lemon had been given opportunities to meet with management, suggests that there may have been internal discussions and decisions that led to his departure. Further details about the circumstances surrounding his exit could provide a clearer understanding of the dynamics at play within the organization. important for organizations to create a supportive and inclusive work environment where employees feel valued and supported, especially during difficult transitions. Lemon's story serves as a reminder that even in the face of adversity, individuals can find strength and resilience through self-care and the support of others.