LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Meghan Markle revealed during her tell-all interview with Oprah Winfrey that “the royal life” took a toll on her mental health.
In light of an explosive interview with Winfrey, the Duchess of Sussex says she contemplated taking her own life after marrying into the British family.
“I just didn’t want to be alive anymore and that was a very clear and real and freighting constant thought," said Markle in the interview.
Suicide has drawn much attention surrounding the mental health crisis especially after the high-profile celebrity opened up during the wide-ranging two-hour interview with her husband Prince Harry.
Nancy Brooks, Executive Director, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Louisville, tells Spectrum News 1, "Anytime someone takes that step to reveal that they, like so many, have had thoughts of suicide or struggles with their mental health, it can take us by surprise."
NAMI, is a nonprofit that offers programs and experts for those with mental illness and their families.
The mental health advocate praises Markle’s truthfulness. "It always comes down to a larger voice has a larger impact," explains Brooks.
Suicide is certainly not a new topic, especially among celebrities.
"Those that seem to have it all Meghan, Robin Williams, or Kate Spade they don’t fit our image of mental illness. So for this reason alone, I was thrilled that she added her voice to the many that struggle or are hopeless."
While suicide can be a difficult conversation, Brooks hopes Markle’s raw moments where she details her struggles while pregnant with her son Archie will have people talking.
"It’s amazing that we as a world are so connected that we can learn things like this about someone who is a lifestyle and lifetime of who we are, but this brings us to a conversation, that’s what’s important," adds Brooks.
Mental health experts say they are continuing to see mental health cases continue to rise during the pandemic.
Right now, one and five adults and one and five children in the U.S. have diagnosable mental health conditions according to the organization.
"During the pandemic, numbers have shot through the roof especially with suicide, self-harm, anxiety, and depression. We need to educate ourselves on how we can support those in our lives who are suffering so we can’t make sure they’re not a statistic," explains Brooks.
Overall, Brooks hopes that Markle’s revelation can help chip away at mental health stigmas.
"We can make a dent and we can reduce these numbers that are escalating now and bring them back into a place of manageability, suggests Brooks.
If you or someone you know needs help, call 1-800-273-8255 for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.