Gardeners’ World host Monty Don has spoken out about a time when he and his wife, Sarah Don, were struggling, after he experienced severe depressive episodes during the financial crash of the 1980s
Monty Don, 69, has candidly spoken out about a period when he and his wife, Sarah Don, were going through tough times, notably during the economic downturn of the 1980s which saw Monty struggle with severe depression.
The couple first crossed paths while they were both English students at Cambridge University.
It was there that Monty met Sarah (née Erskine), a professionally trained architect and jewellery designer.
Together they embarked on a successful venture, running a high-end jewellery business in Knightsbridge, serving clientele like Michael Jackson and Princess Diana.
But their fortunes took a dire turn amid the financial crash of the 1980s, reports the Express.
At this low point, Monty shared with The Times the stark reality: “We lost everything… we lost our house, our business. We sold every stick of furniture we had at Leominster market,” Monty admitted.
Depression hit Monty hard after the business’s bankruptcy, leading Sarah to encourage him to seek medical assistance.
Their children would innocently question Sarah asking, ‘Why is Daddy always crying?’.
He disclosed further: “She said you have to see a doctor because I can’t cope with you and three small children and our life as it is. I need help and the only way I can get help is for you to get help.”
Monty also remarked on how antidepressants were an initial aid and spoke highly of the cognitive behavioural therapy he received courtesy of the NHS.
In 2008, following a stroke, Monty confided in Sarah about wanting to pass away in her arms. He confided to his spouse: “‘Hold me because I think I’m dying and, if I am, I want to die in your arms.'”.
Monty, who has since made a full recovery, was compelled to take a three-year hiatus from presenting Gardeners’ World as a result of the incident.
It wasn’t until Monty consulted a neurologist on the advice of Sarah’s father, a retired doctor, that his minor stroke was diagnosed.
Since taking over from Alan Titchmarsh in 2003, he has been the lead presenter of Gardeners’ World. The celebrity first graced our screens in 1989 with a gardening segment on ITV’s This Morning. This opened up more television opportunities, leading to his own shows on BBC and Channel 4 throughout the years.
At the same time, he launched into a successful writing career, delivering his first book in 1990 among over 25 published works.
From 1994 to 2006, Monty penned a regular gardening feature for The Observer.
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