Meghan’s Revealing Interview Is Apparently Just The Beginning

Meghan Markle opened up about her experience with suicidal thoughts in a new interview with Prince Harry. The couple appeared with Jane Pauley on CBS Sunday Morning on Markle's 43rd birthday to discuss their new initiative, The Parents Network, which helps parents whose children have been affected by social media bullying. The Duchess of Sussex said she can relate to the parents she's helping because she was bullied, too. "When you've been through something painful or traumatic, being open about it helps you heal," Markle said. "I shared a little bit about my experience, but I would never want someone else to feel that way, make those plans, or not be believed," she added. "If sharing my story helps or encourages someone or makes them think twice about making assumptions, then it's worth it. "I'll take the blame." In an interview with Oprah Winfrey in 2021, the mother of two opened up about her mental health. She said she had suicidal thoughts when she was pregnant with her son Archie, who is now five and was dealing with the cruelty of the British press. "I was embarrassed to say it and reluctant to tell Harry because of how much loss he'd experienced," Markle said in the Oprah interview. "But I knew that if I didn't say it, I would do it because I just didn't want to be alive anymore," she continued. Markle said she wanted to die and asked a Palace official for help, but they turned her down. In 2022, Markle revealed on her podcast that Harry, 39, had referred her to a mental health counselor. "My husband found a referral for me to call. I called this woman without her knowing who I was. She was checking out at the grocery store. "I could hear the beep." "She could tell I was struggling," she said. "Be open about what you need, don't be afraid to ask, and don't be shy about asking for what you need." In their Netflix documentary, which came out in December 2022, Harry said he regretted how he handled his wife's mental health struggles. "I was distraught. "I knew she was struggling, but I never thought it would get this bad," he said. I was upset and embarrassed that it had gotten to this point. I didn't handle it as well as I should have. "I was acting like an institution instead of a husband." My royal role took over, and I stopped thinking about my feelings. I was trained to be concerned about people's thoughts if we didn't attend events. We need to catch up on schedule. "I hate that I did that." "She needed more from me than I could give," Harry added. In the Netflix documentary, Markle's mother, Doria Ragland, revealed that her daughter had contemplated suicide. Ragland, 67, said that Markle had confided in her, telling her that she'd even considered taking her own life. "It was tough to see." I knew it was rough, but these guys kept picking on her. They were taking a toll on her spirit. She even considered not wanting to be here. It's tough for a mom to hear that. I can't keep her safe. "She can't protect her." On CBS Sunday Morning, the former working royals said they're focused on protecting their kids from online bullying. "Our kids are still young—just three and five." "They're incredible," Markle said. "As parents, you just want to keep them safe." She added, "We know there's still a lot to be done in the online space, and we're happy to be part of the change."