BBC Gardeners' World Monty Don opens up on decades-long health battle
Monty Don, the beloved presenter of Gardeners' World, has candidly discussed his long-standing battle with depression, which he has faced since his teenage years.
In a heartfelt conversation with Nikki Bedi on BBC Radio 4's Saturday Live, the esteemed gardening expert emphasised the comfort he finds in nature and how it has been a source of comfort throughout his mental health journey.
Now 69, Monty reflected on the early signs of his struggles, saying: "Over the years I've struggled with depression. With hindsight, since my teenage years."
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He spoke of the therapeutic effect of horticulture, particularly the experience of working with soil. He continued: "Always getting outside [helps]. For me connecting with the soil, the soil is really important to me, literally putting my hands in the soil and feeling that, planting things.
But getting outside, seeing the sunrise if possible, and sunset and walking, I'm looking out the window now, talking to you and it's great and the branches are bleak and bare, but I know if I go out there, I'll feel better."
He also acknowledged the scientific support for outdoor exercise as an effective form of therapy, stating: "There's a lot of good work done on this, that exercise outdoors is really good medicine."
This isn't the first instance of Monty being open about his mental health; he has previously disclosed his experiences with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).
The gardening aficionado mentioned that he copes by seeking warmer climates during the colder months to soak up some much-needed 'winter sun'.
During an appearance on the Travel Diaries podcast last year, he remarked: "A few weeks of that (going abroad during the winter months) has a profound effect. If you can afford it, or organise it, that really makes a difference."
The NHS describes Seasonal Affective Disorder, often known as 'winter depression', as a type of depression that fluctuates with the seasons. Symptoms vary among those affected but commonly include a persistent low mood, altered sleep patterns, and a drop in energy levels.
It is estimated that around 5% of the UK population suffers from Seasonal Affective Disorder.