It’s all anybody can talk about, the groundbreaking interview that shook the four corners of the world. After years of the British media’s hate-filled campaign of abuse, HRH The Duke and Duchess of Sussex finally said ‘enough is enough’, sat down with the Queen of television, Oprah Winfrey, and spilt the tea on the royals, racism and mental health.
It’s safe to say that Meghan has had her fair share of bullying. The misogyny and elitism behind most headlines were shameful at best. Despite incidents such as the demise of Princess Diana and #BeKind, a trending topic inspired by Caroline Flack’s suicide, we still have a long way to go in understanding the mental health plights that affect ourselves and others.
The Impact
Our wellbeing is more important than ever. With the never-ending exposure to social media and gossip rags, we can’t seem to get away from internet trolls and damning articles that breed contempt for others. Protecting our energy is vital and Harry and Meghan’s decision to make a break for it and start a new life is something that we should all consider.
No, we’re not suggesting that we all pack our bags and bid ‘bon voyage’ to everything we know but simply to consider the impact of the influences that we are subjected to. Recently, Piers Morgan infamously stormed off the set of Good Morning Britain after being confronted by presenter, and man of the moment, Alex Beresford about his disturbing outbursts toward Meghan Markle. The irony is Piers has thrown every insult possible toward the couple for removing themselves from a toxic environment – awkward.
It takes courage and self-love to walk away from what no longer serves us. We have to make decisions for the sake of our mental health that are in our best interests. If we feel inclined to take certain measures that will benefit us then we should take affirmative. The longer we hesitate and avoiding addressing our problems the more delays we incur for our recovery.
Prince Harry knows all too well about the impact of mental health. After seeing firsthand the struggles that his mother, Princess Diana, had to endure, he has dedicated himself to many charitable causes including co-founding Heads Together, a mental health initiative. He should be praised for the work that he has done to help others, including his wife. The truth is we’re all susceptible to having down days, bouts of depression and anxiety, including royalty.
You need to know that part of being strong and tough is having the courage to seek help when you need it. You must not silently suffer. You are all in this together.
Do Unto Others
There is not one person who would enjoy being torn down by others so why do so many of us engage in gossip and scandalous conversation? Are we advocating for a society that says it’s ok to destroy others and disregard the condition of their mental health? According to some of the responses to the Harry and Meghan interview that seems to be the case.
“I just didn’t want to be alive anymore.” These were the shocking words that Meghan Markle shared during the interview. She told her story of mental health struggles and thoughts of suicide with the world only to receive backlash from people who say they “don’t believe her.”
Around the world, close to a million people a year take their lives. In the UK alone suicide is on the up with 5,691 cases recorded in 2019. These individuals were someone’s mother, father, best friend or sibling. If someone we cared about told us that they were feeling suicidal would we turn them away?
During the UK’s airing of the interview, the trolling against Meghan Markle was in full force, despite the fact that it was showcased on International Women’s Day, a global celebration of women’s achievements. What has happened to the sisterhood? It is a VIP club or can the rest of us join?
Healing
If there is ever a time to gain some introspection it’s now. Not only should we be showing love to others but also ourselves. We need to give our mental health and general wellness the attention and dedication that it deserves. When we’re sick we take medicine, rest and seek the help of a doctor – our mental health should be no different.
It’s ok to withdraw when we’re feeling overwhelmed. We’re inundated with negativity on a daily basis so having some ‘me-time’ should be a necessary requirement for maintaining balance and harmony. We can’t expect to have peace in our lives if we don’t know where to draw the line.
Whether it’s a person, place or a piece of content if the vibe is anything but positive we shouldn’t entertain it. We need to set healthy boundaries and let go of drama and negativity. It’s vital that we make conscious changes to ensure that our mental health and wellbeing is a priority.
In addition to focusing on our mental health, we can also play a part in someone else’s happy ending. Be the reason for someone’s joy, not someones dispair. The more love and care that we express the better the world will be.
Judging and criticising others based on whispers that we hear or quotes from ‘anonymous sources’ is poisonous. Why play a part in cyberbullying, slander and cancel culture? It is surely more productive to use our energy for good.
We just need to be kinder to ourselves. If we treated ourselves the way we treated our best friend, can you imagine how much better off we would be?
If we can take anything from the Meghan and Harry interview it is to give love, feel love and do what is right for love. No matter what obstacles we are facing when we persevere we will overcome because, at the end of the day, love always wins.
