“Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, recently spilled details about the trials and tribulations of marrying into the British royal family. In an emotional, now-viral interview with Oprah Winfrey, Markle raised claims of racism within the royal family, among other maltreatment, that pushed her to suicidal ideation.
She admitted to Oprah, ‘I just didn’t want to be alive anymore. And that was a very clear, and real, and frightening… constant thought.’
After informing the royal institution she wanted treatment for her ongoing thoughts of self-harm, she was denied mental health care due to overarching fears it ‘wouldn’t be good for the institution.’
Subsequent to the leaked interview, thousands took to the Internet to suggest Markle had either exaggerated or lied, deeming her experiences with suicidal ideation ‘fabricated’ or ‘overly dramatic.’
An Open Letter To The People Who Don’t Believe Meghan:
She may not see your angry comments.
She may not see the accusations and mocking Tweets.
The messages insisting she is lying.
That her claims to a dark battle with mental health are nothing more than ‘drama.’
That her experiences with racism aren’t real.
But I have news for you.
She may not see your words, but your loved ones will.
That’s right.
The friend who survived a suicide attempt. Or two.
The new mama battling postpartum depression, wondering if anything is worth it anymore.
The cousin afraid to tell their parents they would like to seek mental health services out of fear of shame.
Your black friend who is dealing with ongoing racial discrimination in the workplace.
The brother afraid to tell his partner the medication isn’t working, and the feelings have come back.
The black woman on your friends list from high school who has walked in Meghan’s shoes.
When you discredit real issues like mental illness and racism, it affects all of us.
You should be ashamed.
So, the next time you write off the real experiences of another, think of how it will affect your peers.
I can almost guarantee, you would think twice if you knew.
Write like the whole world is watching.
Because, at the end of the day, they are.”
This story was submitted to Love What Matters by a woman who wishes to remain anonymous. Be sure to subscribe to our free email newsletter for our best stories.
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