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Monty Don: Depression nearly cost me my marriage
9 Apr
Summary
- Monty Don's wife threatened to leave him over his depression.
- Prozac helped Monty Don see light after a difficult period.
- Fame and his gardening career were key to his recovery.
Gardener Monty Don has revealed the profound impact his battle with depression had on his personal life and career. The iconic horticulturalist, aged 70, detailed on The Rosebud Podcast how the failure of his jewellery business, exacerbated by the 1987 stock market crash, plunged him into a 'shameful' period of deep depression.
His wife, Sarah Erskine, eventually issued an ultimatum, stating she would leave with their three children if he did not seek professional help. Don acknowledged his difficult behaviour during this time, describing himself as 'angry' and 'difficult'. This prompted him to seek medical assistance.
Don was prescribed Prozac, an antidepressant, which he found instrumental in lifting his spirits. He described a moment of clarity while washing dishes, noticing the beauty of light on leaves, which signified a turning point. He also underwent therapy, though found it inconsistently helpful.
Further contributing to his recovery was the rise of his television career. Don believes the validation and 'sunshine' of public acclaim, particularly from his show 'Around the World in 80 Gardens', significantly boosted his well-being. His wife also observed that "Fame really suits you."
