Meghan Markle Says Opening Up About Suicidal Thoughts Was “Worth It”

Meghan Markle hasn’t even “scraped the surface” of her mental health journey.

The Duchess of Sussex explained why she’s previously been open about experiencing suicidal thoughts while she and Prince Harry launched The Parents’ Network through their Archewell Foundation.

“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,” she told CBS News. “And you know, 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.

“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,” added Meghan.

During her and Harry’s 2021 interview with Oprah Winfrey, Markle revealed that she contemplated suicide during their royal service and did not receive the appropriate mental health resources.

“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,” she told Winfrey. “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.”

The Parents’ Network provides support to those who have lost a child as a result of exposure to social media, either directly or indirectly. Meghan explained that she wants to create a better virtual landscape for Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.

“Our kids are young; they’re three and five. They’re amazing,” said Markle. “But all you want to do as parents is protect them. And so, as we can see what’s happening in the online space, 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.”