Ever since we discovered James Middleton’s secret Instagram account, we’ve loved getting some insight into his life.
But the Duchess of Cambridge’s youngest sibling, who recently opened up about his ongoing mental health and depression issues, has shed some light on what (or more specifically who) has helped him during those dark times.
In a sweet photo of the youngest Middleton with one of his dogs, he captioned his Instagram snap, “I’ve been in that angst of loneliness, where you’re really alone in the universe. Luckily for me I had my dogs 🐾🐾”
James, who owns five pups, previously opened up about how they have positively impacted his mental health in his article written for the Daily Mail back in January.
“I recognise, too, the role my dogs — Ella, Inca, Luna, Zulu and Mabel — have played in my recovery. Ella, particularly, has been my constant companion for ten years and she’s been with me to all my therapy sessions. In her own particular way, she has kept me going.
“As a result, Ella and I now volunteer with the Pets As Therapy charity and Ella is a fully-fledged therapy dog for PAT.”
James and his dogs (particularly Ella) have played a significant role in his mental health recovery. (Image: Instagram @jmidy)
It’s no secret that dogs and pets in general can do wonders for our physical and mental health.
In a previous chat with Now To Love Dr Chris Brown told us “I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had a client come through the clinic and mention that in difficult times, pets have been the happiest, most dependable influence in their life.”
“Pets make our lives brighter, give people a reason to carry on and a structure to life around a pet’s requirements and routine. Pets also ease loneliness. Our animals are little medical professionals – personal trainers, confidantes and friends in one adorable package.”
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James, whose secret Instagram account is dominated with footage of his five adorable dogs, also shared a heartfelt tribute to his dogs on the second anniversary of his first dog’s death in February this year.
“Dogs die. But dogs live, too. Right up until they die, they live. They live brave, beautiful lives. They love us, protect us and make our lives a little brighter. And they don’t waste time being afraid of tomorrow,” he penned.
Dogs will always have a place in James’ heart. (Image: Instagram @jmidy)
Of course James has always had the support of his parents, Carole and Michael Middleton as well as his older sisters Duchess Catherine and Pippa Matthews who “desperately worried” about him for months when he was in the throes of depression.
“My family were proactive in helping me enormously — it has been an education for all of us to understand the complex nature of depression.”
