Meghan Markle has broken her silence on her mental health journey, shedding light on the profound impact of her past struggles and emphasizing the importance of open dialogue in healing. In a new interview with CBS Sunday Morning, the Duchess of Sussex discussed her experience with suicidal thoughts while launching The Parents' Network, an initiative under the Archewell Foundation aimed at supporting parents whose children have been harmed by social media.
“When you've been through any level of pain or trauma, I believe part of our healing journey—certainly part of mine—is being able to be really open about it,” Meghan told CBS News. “I haven't really scraped the surface on my experience. But I do think that I would never want someone else to feel that way. And I would never want someone else to be making those sort of plans. And I would never want someone else to not be believed.”
Meghan's candid admission comes after her shocking revelation during a 2021 interview with Oprah Winfrey, where she disclosed her contemplation of suicide during her time as a working member of the British Royal Family. In the recent interview, Meghan elaborated on the importance of sharing her story: “So, if me voicing what I have overcome will save someone, or encourage someone in their life to really genuinely check in on them and not assume that the appearance is good, so everything's okay, then that's worth it. I'll take a hit for that.”
The Parents' Network, launched through the Archewell Foundation, aims to combat the harmful effects of social media on children. This anti-bullying initiative is inspired by Meghan and Harry's two children, Prince Archie, 5, and Princess Lilibet, 4, and their desire to protect them from the dangers of the online world. “We know that there's a lot of work to be done there, and we're just happy to be able to be a part of change for good,” Meghan said.
Reflecting on her past, Meghan recounted her feelings of shame and isolation when she first experienced suicidal thoughts. “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 suffered. But, I knew that if I didn't say it, that I would do it ... and I just didn't want to be alive anymore,” she told Oprah Winfrey, according to Deadline.
The new initiative by the Sussexes seeks to address the broader issues of online harm and its devastating impact on families. By linking their personal pain to their philanthropic efforts, Meghan and Harry aim to create a supportive community for parents navigating the challenges of the digital age.
Royal expert Dr. Tessa Dunlop noted that while the Sussexes were careful not to revisit old grievances with the Royal Family during the interview, the unresolved rift between them and the House of Windsor remains a significant backdrop to their story. “Despite all their well-intentioned good works and conciliatory talk in other fields, the chasm between the Sussexes and the British Royals remains as great as ever,” Dunlop told The Mirror.
She emphasized the need for open communication between the two sides to foster healing and credibility. “Until there is genuine open contact between the House of Windsor and the Sussexes, Harry and Meghan’s pain thesis will continue to wound, undermining credibility on both sides,” Dunlop added. “As the Duchess explained on Sunday, if her sharing helps others 'then that’s worth it. I’ll take a hit for that.'”
Dunlop also highlighted the Sussexes' upcoming trip to Colombia, underscoring their commitment to service. “In the style of their trip to Nigeria, soon Harry and Meghan will take off for Colombia, all in the name of service. And rather than being a service that complements the philanthropic brand the British royal family established, it will be in opposition to it.”