Gardener’s World star Monty Don has shared details of his “terrible” health struggle, highlighting one particular aspect that has aided him in coping.
Monty has been open about his struggles with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), often known as ‘winter depression’. However, he says he has seen personal benefits from gardening as he battles with the condition.
Speaking about the therapeutic effects of gardening, Monty said: “It enables you to deal with loss and hopelessness and fear and anxiety and you know depression, that terrible sort of negativity that comes with it.”
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The respected gardening guru also discussed how others have told him of the positive impact gardening has on their mental well-being. He continued: “Gardening gives them hope, gardening connects them to something bigger than themselves, it connects them to the rhythm of seasons.”
He highlighted the importance of embracing life’s cyclical nature, saying: “It’s to be aware that all good times are followed by fallow times, but which are also followed by good times.”
Monty Don likes to get away during the winter months to “recharge the batteries”.
(Image: Corbis via Getty Images)
“It’s not just onwards and upwards upwards upwards, you have to accept that there are cycles and things, and that is very empowering and reassuring.”
Monty previously revealed his personal encounters with SAD during an episode of the ‘Travel Diaries’ podcast, where he mentioned his preference to travel abroad in winter months to “recharge the batteries”.
The NHS describes Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) as a type of depression that exhibits a seasonal pattern: “SAD is sometimes known as “winter depression” because the symptoms are usually more apparent and more severe during the winter. Some people with SAD may have symptoms during the summer and feel better during the winter.”
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Monty Don initially began his career as a gardening writer, penning newspaper columns about his passion. However, it was his appearance on ITV’s This Morning that catapulted him into broadcasting.
Subsequent TV appearances followed, and his appointment as host of BBC’s Gardeners’ World in 2003 cemented his status as a household name.
After first presenting the show over two decades ago, Monty announced last year that he intends to remain at the helm until at least 2026, when he turns 70.
Monty Don’s British Gardens returns to BBC Two tonight (January 17) at 8pm.