THE reality of mental health was brought to the forefront during Meghan Markle’s explosive TV interview which aired on Monday night.
Mental health can take its toll on anyone - nobody is immune - as highlighted during the two-hour tell-all interview by Prince Harry and Meghan Markle with host Oprah Winfrey.
During the programme, the Duchess spoke about having suicidal thoughts but claims her approaches to the monarchy for help were turned down.
Image supplied by Harpo Productions showing the Duke and Duchess of Sussex during their interview with Oprah Winfrey that was watched by millions in the UK on Monday night
Commenting on her mental health crisis, when she felt she did not “want to be alive anymore”, Markle said: “I went to the institution, and I said that I needed to go somewhere to get help. I said that I’ve never felt this way before, and I need to go somewhere.
“And I was told that I couldn’t, that it wouldn’t be good for the institution.”
Meghan described how nothing was done when she contacted other unnamed individuals and she “had to find a solution”.
When Winfrey suggested if the answer was “I don’t want to be alive anymore,” Meghan replied: “Well, I thought it would have solved everything for everyone, right?”
On behalf of the Queen, Buckingham Palace said in a statement: “The whole family is saddened to learn the full extent of how challenging the last few years have been for Harry and Meghan.
“The issues raised, particularly that of race, are concerning. While some recollections may vary, they are taken very seriously and will be addressed by the family privately.
“Harry, Meghan and Archie will always be much-loved family members.”
The revelations sparked concerned viewers to share support for mental health services.
Here in North Wales, there are a variety of services available that continue to provide support throughout the COVID-19 pandemic:
ICAN Hubs:
Across North Wales, virtual ICAN Hubs can be contacted for a range of support with your mental health and wellbeing.
• ICAN Conwy: Call 01492 879907 or visit www.conwymind.org.uk/how-we-can-help/the-hub/
• ICAN West (Canolfan Felin Fach, Pwllheli): Call 01758 701611 or visit www.facebook.com/Canolfan-Felin-Fach-Centre-197541023595215/
• ICAN Flint: Call 01352 974430 or visit www.newmind.org.uk/
• ICAN Holywell & Wrexham: Call 01352 872189 or visit www.kim-inspire.org.uk/
Parabl talking therapies:
People in North Wales can also access Parabl talking therapies, designed for people with mild to moderate mental health problems.
You can talk to someone at Parabl, who will arrange for an assessment if they think that the Parabl talking therapy service would be helpful.
The assessment is by telephone, and following that a counsellor will be allocated to you.
There may be a waiting list for this service in your area, but staff will guide you to other support while you are waiting.
To seek this help, call 0300 777 2257 or email ask@parabl.org.
Online self-help resources from Public Health Wales:
You can also find specific Public Health Wales resources on how to look after your mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic on the Public Health Wales website.
This includes details of online courses, apps, books, leaflets and websites. (https://phw.nhs.wales/services-and-teams/improvement-cymru/news-and-publications/publications/mental-health-and-wellbeing-cymru-self-help-resources-to-support-mental-health-and-wellbeing/)
SilverCloud online mental health therapy courses:
People across Wales can now access free online therapy without needing to go through their GP.
People aged 16 and over experiencing mild to moderate anxiety, depression or stress can sign-up for a 12-week course of SilverCloud online therapy via their smartphone, tablet, laptop or desktop computer.
The roll-out of direct access to online therapy for Wales’ entire 16+ population recognises that people need immediate help in managing their mental health and wellbeing as the impact of COVID-19 continues to be felt, and reduces barriers to accessing this support.
Sign up today and find out more by visiting https://nhswales.silvercloudhealth.com/signup/.
Mental health helpline:
The free CALL Mental Health Helpline for Wales is available 24/7 and offers confidential advice on a range of mental health related matters as well as a comprehensive list of support services in your local area and information on how to access them.
You can telephone 0800 132 737, text ‘help’ to 81066 or go online to www.callhelpline.org.uk/.
Active Monitoring:
Some GP surgeries offer a quick referral to a service called 'Active Monitoring', where you could get help to tackle issues such as anger management, depression, or anxiety.
This service is generally weekly for five to six weeks and aims to give you the tools to manage your own mental health, especially if certain feelings and worries recur.
Speak to your GP:
If you are feeling out of control emotionally, or are worried that you may have a mental health problem, there are a number of places you could go to first, including speaking to your GP.
GPs are continuing to provide support during the COVID-19 pandemic through a combination of face-to-face, video and telephone consultations.
Your doctor can:
• Talk about your problems
• Check whether your problems have a physical cause
• Give you medicine for depression, anxiety and other conditions
• Refer you to an appropriate service
If you think your doctor may be too busy to talk through your problems, you can arrange with the receptionist for a long appointment. Or you could write everything down in a letter and send it to your doctor.
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