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[The following article contains mentions of suicide. If you or someone you know is considering suicide or is in emotional distress, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), text "STRENGTH" to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741, or go toย suicidepreventionlifeline.org]:
Meghan Markle opened up about why she decided to reveal that she had suicidal thoughts to the public in 2021. Markle and her husband Prince Harry were honored at the 2022 Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Ripple of Hope Gala on Tuesday night (December 6th). While being named "Ripple of Hope" laureates for their humanitarian work, Markle took the moment to talk to the crowd about how important it is to speak out about mental health.
When asked why she chose to reveal that the pressure and "character assassination" she received as a working member of the royal family made her feel like she "didn't want to be alive anymore," Meghan told the crowd per Page Six, "I donโt want anyone to feel alone," and added that many people "don't see a way out."
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"And when youโve been through anything thatโs challenging, and everyone, especially in the past few years with lockdown andย COVID, that spike in numbers of people having an experience they might not be voicing," she shared.
Markle continued, "We all need to, when we can, if we feel brave enough, to just speak honestly about your own experience. It gives other people space and the courage to do the same, but more than that to really feel like youโre not alone because I think that is often what can be the largest hindrance when you feel that way, you donโt see a way out.โ
The Duchess of Sussex continued, "But ultimatelyย if you feel like thereโs someoneย else that has a lived experience theyโve gotten to the other side, and gave example of resilience, an example of โthere is a happy endingโ, I think thatโsย what most peopleย are probably seeking out in those moments."
โAnd thatโsย why I made the decision to just say โif my experience can help someone else not feel the same way or to know that thereโs hope' then itโs worth every second of whateverย comes with it."