Viewers react to poignant moment on this week’s Operation Transformation

"That was a hard one to deal with"

This week's episode of Operation Transformation had a very poignant moment which a lot of viewers can relate to. The RTÉ show is halfway through the series, with the leaders making real changes in their lives already, but one leader's journey has led to a particularly hard-hitting moment. This week on the Kathryn Thomas hosted show, Dr Sumi Dunne paid a visit to Kilcullen leader Noel who opened up on his mental health struggles.

Viewers react to poignant moment on this week's Operation Transformation

Speaking to Dr Sumi, Noel opened up about how his business was hit hard during the financial crash of 2008, leading him to start taking anti-depressants. "That was a hard one to deal with," he said, adding that his mood dropped "off a cliff" as soon as the crash happened. "It knocks all your confidence," he said, "I’d over 20 people working for me." However, Noel also said that he never had an issue with the "stigma" surrounding depression medication. Dr Sumi informed Noel that the medication he was currently on is something that he might look at eventually weaning himself off. Noel admitted that he had already tried but said that it was "definitely at the wrong time". "[There was] a lot of anxiety there, 'am I doing the right thing?' etc. My GP said 'maybe you should start thinking of coming off it'. Tried it, it didn't work so I just said 'no'".

Nice relaxing break there from his #OperationTransformation journey for Darragh ? ?

Wednesdays | 9.35pm pic.twitter.com/ixiQfQDA3r — RTÉ One (@RTEOne) January 23, 2024

Noel is quickly becoming a favourite for viewers of the show, with many praising him for being so transparent about his mental health struggles. One viewer said "Noel is just great," while another said the leader "has me in tears." "Unbelievable how Noel is getting on," said another. It's certainly great to see someone like Noel being open about his mental health on national TV. Operation Transformation airs on Wednesday nights at 9:35 pm on RTÉ One & RTE Player.

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