TRIGGER WARNING: The below story contains a description of suicidal ideation. This content may be triggering for some readers.
- Sophie Turner shared a message of support after Meghan Markle spoke out about experiencing suicidal thoughts in her interview with Oprah Winfrey.
- Turner called out the people casting doubt on Meghan's painful experience, sharing a post from Instagram account @bekindmentalhealth.
- "Meghan Markle probably isn't going to see your negative comments saying you don't believe that she was suicidal...but your friends and family who have been in the past will, and they'll never come to you for help," the post read.
Meghan Markle spoke candidly about the devastating toll her experience as a royal had on her mental health during her interview with Oprah Winfrey, which aired on Sunday. The Duchess of Sussex discussed the racism she faced both from the royals and the media, as well as the total absence of support she received from "The Firm." "I just didn't want to be alive anymore," Meghan told Winfrey.
After Meghan's heartbreaking revelation, some took to social media to cruelly dispute her painful lived experience. Sophie Turner condemned said responses on her Instagram Story Tuesday, pointing out that while Meghan might not see their comments (though there's a chance she could!), their friends and family almost certainly would.
Turner shared a post from Instagram account @bekindmental health, which read, "Meghan Markle probably isn't going to see your negative comments saying you don't believe that she was suicidal...but your friends and family who have been in the past will, and they'll never come to you for help. Don't be that person." And just to make it very clear: Don't be the person who directs any other type of hate towards Meghan, either!
A post shared by Be Kind Mental Health (@bekindmentalhealth)
A photo posted by on
Speaking to Winfrey, Meghan said she experienced serious suicidal ideation during her time as a working royal. "I just didn't see a solution. I would sit up at night ... It was all happening just because I was breathing," she said. "I was ashamed to say it at the time and ashamed to have to admit it to Harry, especially, because I know how much loss he's suffered. But I knew if I didn't say it, I'd do it. And I just didn't want to be alive anymore. And that was a very clear and real and frightening constant thought... I thought it would've solved everything for everyone."
Meghan said she spoke to "one of the most senior people" in "the institution" about seeking help, but was told doing so "wouldn't be good for the institution." Despite "begging" the palace's Human Resources department for support, they told her they were unable to help because she "was not a paid employee of the institution."
Happily, the Duchess of Sussex said her mental health has since dramatically improved, and urged others to speak out and seek help when needed. "My hope for people in the takeaway from this is to know that there's another side," Meghan said. "And to know that life is worth living."
Stay In The Know
Marie Claire email subscribers get intel on fashion and beauty trends, hot-off-the-press celebrity news, and more. Sign up here.
RELATED STORIES
Emily Dixon is a British journalist who’s contributed to CNN, Teen Vogue, Time, Glamour, The Guardian, Wonderland, The Big Roundtable, Bust, and more, on everything from mental health to fashion to political activism to feminist zine collectives. She’s also a committed Beyoncé, Kacey Musgraves, and Tracee Ellis Ross fan, an enthusiastic but terrible ballet dancer, and a proud Geordie lass.
-
Power Pick: Shark FlexStyle
"It’s singlehandedly given me the confidence to do my own hair."
By Brooke Knappenberger Published
-
Gillian Anderson, Who Played Margaret Thatcher on ‘The Crown,’ Says the Show Ended at Just the Right Time
Anderson stars in another royally adjacent role in another Netflix project, ‘Scoop,’ out next week.
By Rachel Burchfield Published
-
The Spring Runways Are Inspiring Endless Slip Skirt Looks
From sheer midi-skirts to satin maxi versions, these are going to be the most covetable styles.
By Lauren Tappan Published
-
British Royal Lady Gabriella Windsor's Husband Has Died at 45
Lady Gabriella is King Charles' second cousin.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
George, Charlotte and Louis Will Be Laden With Gifts as Prince William Returns From New York
He was handed so many souvenirs for the little ones.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Prince William Makes Sure to "Treat George and Charlotte as Equals," Body Language Expert Says
I should hope so!
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Prince William Isn't "A Workaholic Like His Father," Royal Expert Claims
He's got more of a work-life balance.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Princess Kate's New "Signature" Gesture? The Stealthy "Bum Pat" to Prince William
Love this for her.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Prince Harry Says His "Spirit Is Renewed" as He Attends the Warrior Games for Wounded Service Members in San Diego
The Games inspired his Invictus concept.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
Prince William Not Expected to Invite Prince Harry to His Coronation, Friend Claims
That doesn't sound good.
By Iris Goldsztajn Published
-
We Finally Know Where the Earthshot Prize 2023 Will Take Place
Let's go!
By Iris Goldsztajn Published