James Middleton has opened up about his depression in a candid post to his Instagram, while sharing the ‘first family photograph’ of himself, his fiancée Alizee Thevenet and their beloved dogs.
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Kate Middleton’s younger brother said that he’s been “truly touched” by the backing he has received since candidly calling his depression a “cancer of the mind” in January.
“Today I wanted to say thank you. 🙏 Thank you for the incredible support shown towards my speaking publicly about my illness. Depression,” he said.
James, 32 – who also has dyslexia and Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) — continued: “It would be a full time job to reply to each person, but know I’m truly touched by the messages & those that have shared their stories and journeys with me.”
Since speaking out about his depression earlier this year, Kate’s brother — who admitted he contemplated suicide until he followed the mental health lead of his sister, brother-in-law Prince William and Prince Harry — has revealed that he uses the unusual hobby of beekeeping as “a chance to escape” his own mind.
“I’m fascinated by the little creatures,” he Instagrammed in August.
“From their waggle dance to the queen laying her own body weight in eggs a day… there‘s a lot to be said about these humble little creatures.”
“Bee keeping to me is meditation,” he said.
James has also been very clear that his dogs Ella, Inca, Luna, Zulu and Mabel have also played a key role in his recovery.
And his fiancée Alizee has also been instrumental.
“Not that long ago I had forgotten what it was like to laugh with genuine happiness- today I don’t have to pretend to smile,” James added in his post alongside an image of him enjoying a cup of tea with Alizee and his dogs in England’s stunning Lake District.
“I am not cured from depression – I don’t think there is one,” he added.
“However, I have learnt the tools to keep control, every day I look after my mental health as much as I do my physical health. And remember as one wise person once said, ‘Life is about the journey, not the destination.’”
If you or someone you know needs help, contact: beyondblue 1300 224 636 or beyondblue.org.au; SuicideLine 1300 651 251; MensLine 1300 789 978; Lifeline on 13 11 14 or visit lifeline.org.au.
