JK Rowling tells of suicidal thoughts

Published on Monday 24 March 2008 09:25

HARRY POTTER author JK Rowling has revealed she considered taking her own life.

As a struggling single mum in a Leith flat, before she had completed her first Harry Potter book, she admitted she had "suicidal thoughts" and that it was her daughter Jessica that stopped her doing it.

In an interview with a student magazine, the Edinburgh writer reflected on her life as a struggling author following the break-up of her first marriage. She said: "Mid-20s life circumstances were poor and I really plummeted.

"The thing that made me go for help . . . was probably my daughter. She was something that earthed me, grounded me, and I thought, this isn't right, she cannot grow up with me in this state.

"We're talking suicidal thoughts here, we're not talking 'I'm a little bit miserable'. What's to be ashamed of? I went through a really rough time and I am quite proud that I got out of that."

At her lowest ebb she contacted her GP only to find she was on holiday and a replacement was at the surgery.

The new doctor recommended she was referred for cognitive behavioural therapy which teaches the sufferer to combat negative thoughts.

She credits that treatment with helping her get out the rut.

She said: "It (the treatment) was absolutely invaluable. It worked for me so I'm obviously very 'pro' it."