James Middleton, the brother of Kate Middleton, opens up about his struggles with mental health in his upcoming memoir, “Meet Ella: The Dog Who Saved My Life.” In an excerpt published by the Daily Mail, James reveals that he used to contemplate ways of dying as he felt overwhelmed by the turmoil in his mind, leading him to the brink of madness.
The 37-year-old James describes feeling utterly exhausted due to insomnia, misunderstood, and like a complete failure. Despite having a loving and close-knit family, including his mother, father, sisters Kate and Pippa, and their husbands, James explains that he pushed them away by not answering phone calls, ignoring emails, and avoiding visit invitations. He isolated himself behind a double-locked door, feeling unreachable.
James recounts a particularly difficult night in November 2017 when he considered taking his own life by jumping off a building in London. He wondered if it could appear as a tragic accident to spare his family from the knowledge of suicide. However, his dog Ella played a crucial role in changing his mind. Ella’s unwavering gaze through a skylight made him realize the impact his actions would have on her, preventing him from taking that fatal leap.
Ella’s presence and concern for James gave him a reason to reconsider his decision and step back from the edge of despair. He reflects on the bond between them and the thought of leaving her alone if anything were to happen to him. James credits Ella as the dog who saved his life, highlighting the profound impact pets can have on mental health and well-being.
James’ memoir, “Meet Ella: The Dog Who Saved My Life,” is set to be released on Sept. 24, shedding light on his journey through depression and the pivotal role his beloved dog played in pulling him back from the brink of suicide. By sharing his story, James hopes to raise awareness about mental health struggles and the importance of seeking help during times of crisis.
For those who may be experiencing similar challenges, the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 is a resource available to provide support and assistance. It’s essential to reach out for help and know that there are people and resources available to offer support during difficult times. James Middleton’s courageous decision to share his struggles and the impact of Ella’s presence serves as a reminder of the power of human connection and the unconditional love that a pet can provide in times of darkness.
