Mind responds to the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle's interview
On Monday 08 March, ITV broadcast an interview between Prince Harry and Meghan Markle and Oprah Winfrey. During the interview, the Duchess of Sussex Meghan Markle said the way she was treated by the royal institution, and the racism which she experienced, caused her to become suicidal, and she was discouraged from getting help for her mental health.
Paul Farmer, Chief Executive of Mind said:
“In recent years, we have seen encouraging and significant improvements in attitudes towards those of us experiencing mental health problems. Although we’ve made some great progress, we can’t afford to lose momentum now; there is still much to be done when it comes to making sure that no one faces a mental health problem alone.
“At Mind, we’ve found when celebrities and high profile individuals speak publicly about their own mental health problems, it can help inspire others to do the same. Sharing personal experiences of poor mental health can be overwhelming, so it’s important that when people do open up about their mental health they are met with understanding and support.
“Our research found that 25 per cent of people said hearing a celebrity talk openly about their own mental health had inspired them to seek help or get support for themselves. In turn, more than one in three of those asked said seeing celebrity mental health stories had prompted them to start a conversation with a friend or loved one about mental health, showing how the power of celebrity can be a real force for change in how we all think and act about mental health problems.
“We recognise the importance of the Duchess of Sussex sharing her mental health experiences. Too often, feelings of shame and isolation mean people affected by mental health problems go without the help and support they need and deserve. Despite positive changes, we know when people do speak out, even today, too many people face discrimination across different areas of their lives – in the workplace, from family and friends, education, and from the health service. Positive improvements in people’s attitudes to mental health are something to celebrate, but we all still have a role to play to reduce mental health stigma and discrimination.”
