Ever since I reported the sad death of Elspeth Thompson, people have found their way to this blog by searching for things like “how did Elspeth Thompson die”. I never wanted to know, it didn’t seem to matter, but her husband Frank has reached the point where he felt able to give an interview and if you do want to know more about the details then you can read them over on the Telegraph website.
Like so many people, in so many walks of life, Elspeth suffered from depression. For the most part it seems as though she kept her mental health problems to herself – a common occurrence that can be brought about by the fact that discrimination against people with mental health issues is still rife in our society. Gardeners know that getting their hands dirty makes them feel better, and indeed that’s one of the reasons that many tend a garden, but even so it can be difficult to come out and say that you have mental health issues.
I am happy to say that I do. I have suffered from depression in the past. Gardening does help me, but I still have dark days. I made my pledge to with the Time To Change campaign – to end the discrimination and allow people with mental health issues access to the support they need – back in June (something we’ve been talking about on the Emma and Pete Show). If you have experienced mental health problems then please consider doing so yourself.
The Telegraph (for whom Elspeth was a regular columnist) have created the Gardening Against the Odds awards in her memory, to celebrate gardeners who are gardening in difficult environments, battling physcial health problems or struggling with mental health issues.
You can nominate your own garden, or someone else’s. The closing date for entries this year is 17th September, so you have time to get your garden looking its best for the photos. More details can be found on the website.