Prince William chokes up as he reveals “very difficult” moment related to his children
Prince William has opened up about his personal struggle with mental health, referring to one particular experience as one he thought he would never “ever get over”.
The Duke of Cambridge revealed that during a certain tumultuous period in his life, it was the help of his colleagues who he reached out to that made him lift his spirits.
He says that if he had not shared his problems to those that care about him, he would have “gone down a slippery slope” mentally.
While the 36-year-old did not share details, he said it was “very difficult to talk about” because it was “related very closely to my children” – Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis.
But despite not giving away the nature of the incident, the father-of-three was referencing his time as a search and rescue pilot for the air ambulance, a responsibility he walked away from in 2017 in order to give attention to his royal duties.
William has previously touched upon the trauma he witnessed during the intense job, many incidents which involved children.
"I still find it very difficult to talk about it." — The Duke of Cambridge on the importance of talking #MentalHealth, and his own experience working as an Air Ambulance Pilot #WEF19 pic.twitter.com/2nimIAqwiQ
— Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) 23 January 2019
Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, the royal said feelings of sadness were “only human”.
“Yes, you put a suit of armour on … but one day something comes along closely related to your own personal life and it really takes you over the line.”
The Duke was accompanied by Jacinda Ardern, the Prime Minister of New Zealand, a country which has a predominantly high suicide rate.
She commended him for his openness towards the issue of mental health, saying his words will help break the stigma surrounding the illness.
Ms Ardern said that her government has mental illness in the top list of priorities, as the disorder doesn’t discriminate.
“I have lost friends, and I wouldn’t have to look far in my cabinet to find other people who have too,” Ms Ardern added.
“One of the sad facts for New Zealand is that everyone knows someone who has taken their own life.”
If you are troubled by this article, experiencing a personal crisis or thinking about suicide, you can call the Depression Helpline at 0800 111 757 or visit depression.org.nz.