Meghan Markle reveals shocking battle with suicidal thoughts

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are highlighting the serious issue of suicidal thoughts linked to social media. In an interview with Jane Pauley on CBS Sunday Morning, aired on Meghan’s 43rd birthday, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex discussed their new initiative, The Parents Network, through their Archewell Foundation. The interview highlighted Meghan’s personal experience with suicidal thoughts, which she first revealed during a 2021 interview with Oprah Winfrey.This program aims to support parents whose children have faced trauma related to social media.
The interview highlighted Meghan’s personal experience with suicidal thoughts, which she first revealed during a 2021 interview with Oprah Winfrey. Meghan reflected on her own struggles, noting the connection between her experiences and those of children impacted by harmful online interactions. “When you’ve been through any level of pain or trauma, I believe part of our healing journey — certainly part of mine — is being able to be really open about it,” Meghan said. She emphasised the importance of voicing her struggles to prevent others from feeling the same despair and ensuring they are believed.
Meghan and Harry, parents to 5-year-old Prince Archie and 3-year-old Princess Lilibet, expressed their desire to protect their children from harmful online content. Harry stressed the need for parents to act as first responders, recognising the signs of potential suicide, a challenge even for trained professionals. “At this point, we’ve got to the stage where almost every parent needs to be a first responder,” he said. “And even the best first responders in the world wouldn’t be able to tell the signs of possible suicide. That is the terrifying piece of this.”

The Parents Network’s “No Child Lost to Social Media” campaign is part of the Sussexes’ ongoing work to create a support network for parents dealing with grief or children managing mental health issues due to online content. James Holt, Executive Director of The Archewell Foundation, underscored the critical need for community and connection among those affected by social media’s impact on children.
The initiative was spotlighted during the Archewell Foundation’s first in-person event in October 2023, held on World Mental Health Day in New York City. This event brought together families affected by social media-related losses to discuss the urgent need for greater online safety.
Markle’s candid discussion about her suicidal thoughts underscores the pressing issue of mental health in the digital age, advocating for a more supportive and understanding approach to those suffering from the impact of social media.