Mind response to Prince Harry interview
Prince Harry has spoken out about his own mental health and dealing with the grief of losing his mother in an interview with the Telegraph*.
*(the link to this external content from the Telegraph has expired)
In response, Mind's Chief Executive Paul Farmer said:
"It’s inspiring to see Prince Harry speaking out about his experiences. It shows how far we have come in changing public attitudes to mental health that someone so high-profile can open up about something so difficult and personal.
"We know that this will have a huge impact on people who are still struggling in silence with their mental health – every time someone in the public eye speaks up we know that it encourages ordinary members of the public to do the same. Prince Harry speaking so candidly is a true turning point that shows that as a society we must no longer adopt a 'stiff upper lip' attitude and that we need to talk openly about mental health, something that affects us all directly.
"Opening the conversation is the first step in making sure people get the help and support they need and the sooner people get help the more quickly they can manage their mental health."
Prince Harry and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are leading the Heads Together campaign, which aims to change the national conversation on mental health from one of stigma and fear to one of support. Their Royal Highnesses want to ensure that people feel comfortable with their everyday mental wellbeing, feel able to support their friends and families through difficult times, and that fear no longer prevents people talking or getting the help they need.
See Mind's information on where to get help to cope with bereavement.