“You need to know a part of being strong and tough is having the courage to ask for help when you need it.”

Anyone else a fan of the British Royals?  I admit I have a secret love and a lot of respect for the new generation of Royals.  I think the way that William, Kate and Harry have stood up and openly talked about mental health challenges and how important it is to ask for help (and better yet, why we shouldn't judge those who struggle) is the best thing to hit the tabloids ever.  I'm sure the addition of Meghan's voice will help make this message even stronger.

While visiting Australia this fall, Prince Harry spoke before an Invictus Games Rugby Match (again!  a fantastic competition that encourages people who have suffered to persevere and be optimistic in the face of challenge!).  Read the full report here but below are a couple of things that stood out for me:

"It was clear from his remarks that Prince Harry understands the stigma that is still attached to mental illness and depression, especially among men who are loathe to admit when they’re dealing with such an issue.
“You need to know a part of being strong and tough is having the courage to ask for help when you need it,” he said. “You must not silently suffer. You are all in this together and if I may speak personally we are all in this together, because asking for help was one of the best decisions that I ever made. You will be continually amazed how life changes for the better.”
Glen Poole, Development Officer at the Australian Men’s Health Forum and founder of the Stop Male Suicide project, says that 80 per cent of male suicides are committed by men who haven’t been diagnosed with a mental illness. Hopefully Harry’s heartfelt speech will help convince men around the world, that discussing your troubles is not a sign of weakness, and to get the help they need."