The Duchess of Sussex recently opened up and admitted to not coping with motherhood and tabloid scrutiny in a new documentary.
If you think the spotlight that comes with being in a British royal family is glitz and glam, think about the death of Princess Diana, who was the most photographed person on earth; so much so that she died in a car accident, as a result of pursuing paparazzi, among others, 22 years ago. Life can be challenging enough, especially when you are in the limelight, as Meghan Markle admitted in a new documentary titled Harry & Meghan: An African Journey, which was released in the UK on October 20. In the documentary, Meghan opened up about the difficulties she’s faced as a result of the press, especially British tabloids since marrying Prince and being a new mother in the spotlight. Personally, I was touched by her honesty because I, like I believe many of you, can relate. It’s overwhelming fronting a strong character when deep down you are depressed and vulnerable. The pressure to show happiness, perfection and success is exhausting and literally depressing. Many people are fighting internal mental and emotional battles and October being Mental Health Awareness Month this documentary couldn’t have come at a more perfect time. Watching this clip inspired me, and I hope it does you and everyone else, to admit when you are not okay. In the interview, she said, “Any woman, especially when they’re pregnant, you’re really vulnerable, and so that was made really challenging. And then when you have a newborn, you know. And especially as a woman, it’s a lot,” she said. “So you add this on top of just trying to be a new mom or trying to be a newlywed. It’s, um…yeah. I guess, also, thank you for asking because not many people have asked if I’m okay, but it’s a very real thing to be going through behind the scenes.”
She then agreed when the interviewer asked if it was safe to say that she was not okay. The honesty in the interview showed a vulnerable and overwhelmed Markle, who exemplifies the negative effects of the press (even the ones we have created for ourselves, like social media) not giving famous people room to breath and their right to a bit of privacy. It’s a radical approach this royal couple is taking on addressing issues they are facing, especially pertaining to the media, but one thing I really appreciate is that no matter the title next to your name, reaching out and showing others that you are also human is a helluva brave move. It’s time many of us raise our hands and ask for help. There’s no such thing as perfection. Finally embracing this truth might help alleviate the mental issues we deal with daily.
"Not many people have asked if I’m ok … it’s a very real thing to be going through behind the scenes."
Meghan reveals to ITV's @tombradby the intense media spotlight has left her struggling to cope while becoming a mum #HarryAndMeghan https://t.co/Uy21iE6ozJ pic.twitter.com/kZqhZV66OL
— ITV News (@itvnews) October 18, 2019
