Alastair Campbell opens up about depression, addiction and the fear of losing his partner

Alastair Campbell has spoken candidly about the personal struggles behind his public career, describing a life shaped by depression, addiction and a deep dependence on his partner, Fiona. The former communications director to Tony Blair said the thought of her dying before him is frightening both emotionally and practically. Campbell, who has been with Fiona for almost 50 years, said she has stood by him through difficult periods, including his addictions and demanding working life. He also joked that although others might see him as capable and organised, he would struggle with everyday tasks such as accessing his bank account, arranging a holiday or changing a plug. He said Fiona handles those things for him. He recalled a breakdown in 1986, when he was working as news editor at the newspaper Today. While in Scotland with then Labour leader Neil Kinnock, Campbell began seeing and hearing things. He said he was arrested for his own safety, taken to hospital and told to stop drinking and get a grip. His career then collapsed, and he had to rebuild it. Campbell said he and those around him initially thought alcoholism was the central problem. He later came to understand it as an addictive personality, with depression that he had tried to conceal through drinking and work. Managing that depression, he said, remains an ongoing effort. He also reflected on losing his mother suddenly while he was abroad. He had spoken with her the previous day but did not get to see her again. After her death, his sister found a poem their mother had left for the funeral, offering a message of love and encouragement to her family. Campbell said he thinks about it all the time. Despite what he described as a gloomy atmosphere around the world, Campbell said he remains hopeful, pointing to younger people’s awareness of issues such as climate change and technology. He also recalled advice his father gave him when he left for university in 1975: a passage from Hamlet urging him to remain true to himself.