The Duchess of Sussex spoke candidly about her decision to disclose her personal struggle with suicidal ideation, a topic that remains deeply personal and central to her advocacy efforts.
On Sunday, Meghan and Harry sat down with CBS Sunday Morning host Jane Pauley to discuss their new initiative aimed at raising awareness of the dangers that social media poses to young people.
During the interview, the couple highlighted their work with parents whose children tragically lost their lives due to the harmful effects of online bullying.
Meghan reflected on her 2021 interview with Oprah Winfrey, where she first publicly shared her mental health struggles. She emphasized the importance of being open about such experiences.
“There is a through-line, I think, when you’ve been through any level of pain or trauma,” Meghan said. “Being completely honest about it is an essential part of the recovery journey, and it certainly is for me. I haven’t even scratched the surface of my experience, but I know that I would never want anyone else to feel that way, make those kinds of plans, or be disbelieved.”
In the interview with Oprah, Meghan, who was pregnant with Princess Lilibet at the time, recalled a particularly distressing moment when she sought help from the institution. “I went to the institution and said I needed to go somewhere to seek help. I said, ‘I’ve never felt this way before, and I need to go somewhere,’” she recalled. “But I was told I couldn’t, that it wouldn’t be good for the institution.”
In the CBS interview, Meghan stressed the importance of sharing her story, no matter how difficult. “If speaking out about what I’ve overcome can save someone or encourage others to check in with loved ones and not assume that just because they appear fine, they are okay, then it’s worth it,” she explained. “I’m willing to take the hit for that.”
The couple’s new initiative, The Parents’ Network, is part of their Archewell Foundation and seeks to raise awareness about the risks social media poses to children and teenagers. For Harry and Meghan, this pilot program marks an important step toward meaningful change.
Since their marriage in May 2018, Harry and Meghan have welcomed two children: Prince Archie, five, and Princess Lilibet, three. During the interview, they also spoke about their “amazing” children and how parenthood informs their work.
“Our kids are young; they’re three and five,” Meghan shared. “They’re incredible. And as parents, all you want to do is protect them. As we look at what’s happening in the online space, we realize there’s so much work to be done, and we’re just glad to be part of positive change.”
Harry echoed Meghan’s sentiments on parenting in the digital age. “Right now, almost every parent has to be a first responder, and even the best first responders can struggle to spot the signs of potential suicide. That’s the most terrifying part of it,” he said.
Through The Parents’ Network and other projects, Harry and Meghan continue their efforts to create safer online environments, drawing from their personal experiences and their commitment to their children’s future.
