A fairytale turned nightmare.

One thing is for sure. Meghan is brave. Hopefully, others will feel empowered to seek help after her interview with Oprah alongside her husband, Prince Harry. 

This interview was nothing short of powerful and proves that no matter who you are, you are not exempt from struggling with mental health concerns, including suicidal thoughts. 

In January of 2020, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle stepped down from their duties as senior members of the royal families. Many people blamed Meghan for their exit. Tabloids, media reports, and news stations were filled with racist remarks, negative headlines, and death threats that were beyond scary. It wasn’t until Oprah’s Interview on CBS, March 8, 2021, that the world learned what Meghan was privately going through and experiencing as the first black member of the royal family. She labeled her experience as overwhelming and an “unsurvivable experience”.

Meghan, the wife to Prince Harry, additionally shared that her son was not given the title of “Prince” due to their decision to step down. Additionally, conversations of concern regarding how dark their son’s skin would be when he was born were unsettling. Outraged, is an understatement of how people felt all over the world. Not only was Meghan dealing with depression, isolation, overwhelming public duty, and a job that required her to be “present” for everyone she was serving, but she was dually combatting the thoughts of the growing racism of herself and unborn child. 

What do you do when you are in the public eye and cannot get mental health resources. Meghan reported that she felt ashamed, and lonely and did not know who to go to. She reported that she did not want to “put more on her partner” as he was tending to the world. How many times do people suffer in silence because they don’t want to be a burden to loved ones, embarrass themselves, or don’t know what to do or where to go? 

Oprah and Harry are reportedly putting together a program to bring mental health awareness to the forefront. In the meantime, if you are someone who is suffering or know someone who is feeling overwhelmed with mental health concerns, please don’t wait to seek help! Here are some resources! 

Seek a therapist.

There are plenty of websites where you can seek a therapist and set up a consultation to get to know them and ensure they are a good fit. Check out www.cliniciansofcolor.org. We have licensed therapists with availability. 

Tell a close family member or friend.

There is nothing to be embarrassed about. Please know that your isolation can create a seemingly difficult situation, worse. 

Call the Suicide Hotline.

There are numbers you can call that have people available 24/7 to assist you and talk to you about what is happening if you ever feel like taking your own life: Suicide Hotline Number: 800-273-8255.

About The Author

Jessica Bullock is the CEO/Founder of Life Options Counseling Services and the Co-Founder of BE WELL a non-profit faith-based organization, which serves to provide mental health awareness and resources to individuals and communities. Over the past 11 years, she and her staff have served thousands of individuals, families, and couples. Jessica is an educator, speaker, and consultant for private practices and community organizations. She enjoys writing, teaching, and specializes in assisting business owners in developing an abundance mindset. She can be reached at support@jessicabullock.org.