James Longman B'05 launches new book on mental health

Award-winning journalist and former Head Boy James Longman B'05 has spoken in his new book about the special bonds Worth students form with each other.

James, who is now Chief International Correspondent with ABC News, was a student at Worth when his father took his own life, having suffered with depression and schizophrenia for a number of years.

In The Inherited Mind. A story of family, hope and the genetics of mental illness, James recalls the day when he left early from school to attend his father’s funeral. He writes: “I shuffled through my first few periods, trying to avoid any difficult stares. And then it was double art, from which I would have to leave early. In came Mr Owers (James’s Housemaster), trying to look cheerful in his black suit and tie. He spoke quietly to my art teacher and they gestured kindly for me to come forward. The room was silent as I took off my overall and replaced it with the blazer. I could feel my classmates’ eyes on me as I signalled that I was ready to go.

“The car was parked across the road and when we were halfway to it, Mr Owers’s hand gripped my shoulder. I stopped to look up at him; he pointed back to the art block. I remember it being a bright sunny day and I had to squint to see through its two large windows. I could see the whole class waving at me. “Good luck, James!” I heard them shout, climbing over one another to make sure I could see them all. Individually, my classmates had been understandably unable to find the words to comfort me. But as a group, they could. I’ll always remember their smiling faces at that window.”

That act of kindness has stayed with James and the friendship with his cohort from Worth remains, which is highlighted by the fact that James is currently organising his year group’s 20-year reunion for this summer.

After leaving Worth in 2005, following a year as Head Boy, James earned a degree in Arabic from the School of Oriental and African Studies and a masters in comparative politics from the London School of Economics. He started a career in journalism as a freelance in Syria, where he reported undercover for British newspapers. Later he became a Beirut correspondent for the BBC before joining ABC News.

In his book which is now on sale, James discusses mental illness and trauma in families, what the latest genetic science is telling us and how to not only persevere but thrive. The book is a quest to better understand himself and his family.

There are plenty of references to Worth, which he describes as “a haven for me” and fondly remembers his Housemaster Keith Owers, of whom he writes: “When I think of my early school days, I picture my friends and me as small woodland creatures, while he was a kind of large magical bear who had vowed to protect us.”

He also describes the first moment he saw the beauty of Worth on a visit to the School ahead of joining. He says: “It is August and through each window we pass I can see massive horse chestnuts, little white blossoms around in the air, dancing leaves a translucent green in the bright sunlight.”

James has gone on to win several awards of journalism and we are proud of his achievements. His book, including his fond memories of Worth and those bonds that Worth students build, is well worth a read.