Keith Lee Shares How His Father Helped Him Overcome a Near-Fatal Depression

In a recent episode of Shannon Sharpe’s ‘Club Shay Shay’ podcast, prominent food critic Keith Lee shared a deeply personal story about a pivotal moment in his life when his father saved him from a suicide attempt. Despite their strong bond today, the relationship between Lee and his father was fraught during Lee’s high school years, ultimately leading to a period of severe depression.

As he entered his senior year, Keith Lee found himself overwhelmed by feelings of neglect and a lack of affection from his father. He described this experience as plunging him into “a deep, dark depression,” a place where he believed nothing held significance.

A Turning Point in Their Relationship

Lee recounted a crucial conversation in which his father insisted they must work on their relationship, stating that respect was a prerequisite for living together. This marked a critical juncture for Lee, leading him to contemplate an irreversible decision during one of his darkest moments.

In a state of despair, he attempted to take his own life using his father’s ties. He tied ten of them together and prepared to hang himself from a cooler. However, as fear and regret washed over him moments before the act, his father appeared and intervened.

“[My dad] came, picked me up, took me off them ties and told me how much he loved me, and that’s why I’m here today. I would’ve been gone. … I understood now, like he does love you. He grew up without his father. He was just doing the best that he could do with what he had.” -… pic.twitter.com/OS16JcKus9

— Club Shay Shay (@ClubShayShay) December 5, 2024

Reflecting on the moment, Lee recalled, “I’m in the air for 10 seconds… and it’s too late.”He struggled to pull himself up, only to have his father reach out to him with love and support. This act of compassion was transformative; it made Lee realize the depth of his father’s love, which he had long been missing.

His father assured him that their tumultuous relationship was simply a phase and emphasized their commitment to overcoming this darkness together. From that day onward, Lee felt a renewed sense of purpose, acknowledging, “Now I’m living for something different than just myself,” thanks to the love and support from his father during a critical moment.

Keith Lee and Shannon Sharpe — Image courtesy of YouTube: Club Shay Shay

At 28 years old, Keith Lee has emerged from that dark chapter, transforming his experience into a platform to uplift small, independent restaurants through his viral food reviews. His influence has grown exponentially, with millions following his journey online.

In a recent notable incident, Lee’s review of a sushi restaurant garnered significant attention when viewers spotted what appeared to be a ‘wormlike’ creature in his meal. This discovery led to the closure of two locations of the FOB Sushi Bar, further highlighting the impact of his reviews and the importance of food quality.

Lee’s journey, from a painful past to a thriving present, underscores how relationships can heal and transform, serving as a beacon of hope for many facing similar struggles.

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