James Middleton recently opened up about his struggles with severe depression, revealing how his sister, the Princess of Wales, played a pivotal role in his recovery.
Speaking on Bryony Gordon’s podcast, The Life of Bryony, James candidly shared his battle with mental health, even contemplating suicide at one point.
Support from Family
During the podcast episode, the 37-year-old author expressed gratitude for the encouragement he received from his therapist, who suggested involving family members in his therapy sessions.
Although James was initially hesitant, he ultimately felt comfortable inviting his older sisters, Catherine and Pippa, to join him.
“The love I felt from them was incredibly powerful during my recovery,” he explained to Bryony.
James described this experience as a deeply emotional moment, one that brought him to tears.
“They weren’t judgmental; they were genuinely trying to help me,” he recalled.
Meaningful Conversations
While James admitted that he couldn’t remember all the conversations that occurred during those therapy sessions, he emphasized that both Catherine and Pippa were actively engaged, asking questions to better understand his situation.
“They could have easily postponed it; they both had busy lives, yet they chose to be there for their brother in need,” he noted.
James, who is married to financial analyst Alizée Thevenet, confessed that he had distanced himself from his sisters during the early stages of his depression.
“It’s often tougher for those closest to you to provide support,” he remarked.
He found it heartwarming that his sisters were so committed to understanding his struggles, not just by attending his sessions but also by participating in them.
A Dog’s Perspective
In a lighthearted moment, James joked about how his spaniel, Ella, felt a bit neglected with his sisters around.
“Ella seemed put out, like, ‘Hey, this is my space,’” he laughed.
In his recently published book, Meet Ella: The Dog Who Saved My Life, James shares how Ella played an essential role in his healing journey.
He recalled a particularly dark moment in 2017 when he almost took his own life but was held back by the thought of what would happen to Ella.
Finding Joy Outdoors
James shared how his love for the outdoors and his time with Ella helped lift him from a bleak mindset.
“I found joy in watching her and the other dogs during our walks. It was comforting to know that people were looking at them and not me,” he reflected.
Ella also played a surprising role in bringing James and Alizée together.
At a bar, she cozied up to Alizée, giving James the chance to cover her bill and leave his phone number.
This charming encounter eventually led to their marriage in September 2021 and the birth of their son, Inigo.
Struggles with Dyslexia and ADD
During his conversation with Bryony, James also addressed his childhood struggles with undiagnosed dyslexia and Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD).
After receiving an official diagnosis later in life, he felt it finally connected the dots regarding his academic challenges at Marlborough College, where his sisters excelled.
“I remember teachers telling me to apply myself more, but it was so difficult.
I was trying my best but often struggled to concentrate,” he explained.
James candidly shared his experience of having to take a gap year at 18 to retake his Chemistry A-Level four times, which he jokingly referred to as a “humiliating record” for the school.
Despite his father’s frustrations about the costs of his education, James emphasized that both of his parents only wanted the best for him.
Embracing Life’s Challenges
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by life’s ups and downs, Bryony Gordon’s podcast, The Life of Bryony, offers a space to explore and embrace the messiness of our experiences.
With new episodes dropping every Monday and Friday, it’s a great resource for anyone looking to navigate their own challenges.
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