Duchess of Cambridge's brother on former depression: 'Some of us are just surviving'
James Middleton has shared his thoughts on the difficulties of January, as someone with a history of clinical depression.
The Duchess of Cambridge's younger brother wrote on Instagram that at a time "when everyone is setting new goals...some of us are just about surviving".
Middleton is an entrepreneur and founder of Ella & Co, a happiness and wellbeing company for dogs, inspired by his eldest black cocker spaniel, Ella, as well as an ambassador for Pets As Therapy UK.
He is also a mental health advocate and has previously shared his experiences with depression.
The 34-year-old credits his wife, nature and his dogs, including Ella, Zulu, Inka, Luna, Mabel and Nala, with helping him cope.
Taking to Instagram, he also shared a series of images, the first with his dogs in country fields, the second of him and his wife Alizée Thevenet, and the third of her with the dogs.
Opening up on his former depression struggle, he wrote: "My thoughts on January...I've always found January a very difficult month, especially when I was suffering with clinical depression.
"When everyone is setting new goals, laying down new ground rules and striving to become a better version of themselves, while some of us are just about surviving..."
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He then explains his own more mindful version of setting goals, adding: "I have, however, set myself a new mantra which was inspired by my dogs...Don't spend every moment thinking of the one to come, or ones in the past. The past is imperfect, the future will be too, but now – we can do something about that.
"So right now...I'm going to take the dogs for a long walk hand in hand with my wife."
Journalist, author, podcaster, and mental health advocate Bryony Gordon, who is also known for interviewing Prince Harry about mental health, commented: "Love this James. Now is all we have, really."
Fans have also showed their solidarity and appreciation of his post, with one writing, "I too find January the most difficult of the year...Thank you so much for your words of advice and encouragement", and another with "Excellent mantra!".
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Watch: James Middleton and Alizee Thevenet marry in France
Middleton regularly posts moments from his life, with his dogs and wife, sharing his adventures, wellbeing tips and thoughts on life.
On 12 May last year, he shared some photos from the snowy Lake District marking 1,255 days since he was diagnosed with clinical depression, saying, "that day was the first day I learnt about mental health and how it is integral to the way we live our lives".
He then went on to share why he went to the location in the picture with his dogs – because he "wanted to be in nature", known to help with psychological and emotional health.
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