The former Duchess of Sussex opened up about her mental health in her raw interview with Oprah.
On Sunday, Meghan Markle and Prince Harry’s exclusive interview with Oprah aired on CBS. The highly-anticipated two-hour-long exchange had several unexpected revelations, including concerns over their baby’s skin color, their current relationship with the family and the controlling environment. Markle candidly discusses how the racism and oppressive lifestyle she experienced during her time in the Royal Family led to the breakdown of her mental health.
In the interview, Markle reveals to millions of viewers that she had suicidal thoughts during her pregnancy with Archie. “Look, 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 has suffered, but I knew that if I didn’t say it, then I would do it,” she said to Oprah. “I just didn’t want to be alive anymore.”
She continues by explaining how she took bold steps to get the help she needed saying, “I went to the institution and said that I needed to go somewhere to get help…and they said I couldn’t, that it wouldn’t be good for the institution.”
While the interview has expectedly received varying responses, friends and fans have taken to social media to show their support and admiration for her bravery in opening up about mental health and sharing the struggles that come with being a Black woman. For many watching out there, the interview undoubtedly shed light on a quiet issue many are struggling with and may have given viewers the courage to speak up or ask for help.
If you or anyone you know is considering suicide call 1-800-273-8255.
#MeghanMarkle is doing so much for candid conversations about mental health right now. It’s strong, and vulnerable, and brave.
— Jesse Mermell (@jessemermell) March 8, 2021
I LOVE #MeghanMarkle That interview was SO powerful. It was brave, honest, inspiring. Wow.
— Jordan Pruitt (@JordansBlog) March 8, 2021
tw: suicidal ideation:
I am proud of Meghan Markle coming forward about her mental health struggle dealing with trauma and feeling trapped.
I was there too. I did not want to be alive. I am so glad to be beyond that & more myself than ever. Abusive environments harm so many.
— Lindsey Boylan (@LindseyBoylan) March 8, 2021
If you are going to question #MeghanMarkle suicidal thoughts DON’T.
It’s brave to admit you need help. #BeKind we are currently in a mental health pandemic.
As a child Harry was forced to publicly walk behind his mother’s coffin.#mentalhealth matters.#HarryandMeghanonOprah
— Dawn Butler MP✊🏾💙 (@DawnButlerBrent) March 8, 2021
I think MEGHAN MARKLE deserves my international woman’s day post! What a brave woman! She has stuck to her guns and fought against a monarchy that others would have been too scared of or silenced! Meghan you are a force and a brilliant woman and human being. What an inspiration!! pic.twitter.com/q9E76iGejA
— Ryan-Lee Seager (@ryanleeseager) March 8, 2021
It takes courage for us to address mental health and to say “I’m not okay”. Imagine, #MeghanMarkle went through all the dark phases, media slanders & she addressed all of that on television, knowing people will be judging her like vultures. She is a Brave Queen. Respect! ❤️👏🏼🙌🏼
— Anuj Radia (@AnujRadia) March 8, 2021
Serena Williams was amongst those praising the former actresses’ interview.
— Serena Williams (@serenawilliams) March 8, 2021
It takes courage for us to address mental health and to say “I’m not okay”. Imagine, #MeghanMarkle went through all the dark phases, media slanders & she addressed all of that on television, knowing people will be judging her like vultures. She is a Brave Queen. Respect! ❤️👏🏼🙌🏼
— Anuj Radia (@AnujRadia) March 8, 2021
Stream the full interview on CBS.com.
Featured Image: Screenshot via CBS Youtube