Following the Duke and Duchess of Sussex’s sit-down interview with Oprah Winfrey, which aired in the UK on Monday night (8 March) and during which Meghan explained that months of negative tabloid press coverage had led to her experiencing suicidal thoughts, the couple have been praised for speaking candidly about the importance of mental health. “I was really ashamed to say it at the time, and ashamed to have to admit it, to Harry especially, because I know how much loss he suffered, but I knew that if I didn’t say it, I would do it,” Meghan told Oprah in the middle of the 120-minute interview. “I just didn’t want to be alive anymore. And that was a very clear and real and frightening constant thought.” As for why she chose to speak out about her experiences, the Duchess told Oprah: “What’s so important for people to remember is you have no idea what’s going on for someone behind closed doors… I share this because there are so many people who are afraid to voice that they need help.”
Mental health charities and campaigners – including the author Matt Haig, who contributed to the September 2019 issue of British Vogue guest edited by the Duchess – have since praised Meghan for her bravery and honesty. During the interview, the Duchess described one evening at the Royal Albert Hall that was particularly difficult for her. “We had to go to this event after I told Harry I didn’t want to be alive any more. In the pictures, I see how tightly his…
