The Duchess of Sussex has said she’s glad she spoke out about suicidal thoughts and will “take a hit” for it if her words help save the lives of others.
Three years ago, Meghan candidly discussed how she struggled with her mental health at the height of her crisis with the Royal Family.
Reflecting on choosing to speak out, she has now said: “I think when you’ve been through any level of pain or trauma, I believe part of our healing journey, certainly part of mine, is being able to be really open about it.
“And I haven’t really scraped the surface on my experience but I do think that I would never want someone else to feel that way.”
She told US news channel CBS: “And I would never want someone else to be making those sorts of plans and I would never want someone else to not be believed.
“So, if me voicing what I have overcome, will save someone or encourage someone in their life to really genuinely check in on them and not assume that the appearance is good so everything’s okay, then that’s worth it.
“I’ll take a hit for that.”
Pic: Reuters
In 2021, Meghan told Oprah Winfrey she had previously considered taking her own life.
With Prince Harry at her side, the duchess told Winfrey: “I just didn’t want to be alive anymore.”
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The couple’s new interview is to promote their new philanthropic project, The Parents’ Network.
The free, peer-to-peer support service open to people in the US, UK and Canada, and aims to support to parents whose children have suffered from the negative effects of social media.
It will offer “crucial support” to parents whose kids have faced “near-fatal harm” or are “managing ongoing mental health difficulties” after using social media – as well as those who have experienced the loss of a child, a press release announcing the initiative said.
The Sussexes also told CBS how having two children of their own has made them think more about online safety.
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The Sussexes have launched a new initiative. Pic: AP
“Our kids are young; they’re three and five,” the duchess said of Archie and Lilibet. “They’re amazing. But all you want to do as parents is protect them.
“And so, as we can see what’s happening in the online space, we know that there’s a lot of work to be done there, and we’re just happy to be able to be a part of change for good.”
Harry added: “At this point, we’ve got to the stage where almost every parent needs to be a first responder.
“And even the best first responders in the world wouldn’t be able to tell the signs of possible suicide. Like, that is the terrifying piece of this.”
The Archewell Foundation has also launched its No Child Lost To Social Media campaign, featuring parents from the pilot scheme, including one couple whose daughter took her own life after being bullied online.
James Holt, the foundation’s chief executive, said its team has “engaged deeply with parents and young people about the repercussions of social media on their mental, physical, and emotional well-being”.
“It became strikingly clear that there is a critical need for connection and community among those who understand the pain, fear, and isolation caused by social media’s impact on children,” he added.
“We believe in the transformative power of community, and that is why we have created this network-to connect those who face these challenges and offer mutual support.”
Anyone feeling emotionally distressed or suicidal can call Samaritans for help on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org in the UK. In the US, call the Samaritans branch in your area or 1 (800) 273-TALK
