Should we always believe someone when they say they’re going through a tough time or feeling low, or suicidal? 

Piers Morgan’s doubting of Meghan Markle’s mental health struggle, is destructive and can shut down those who are struggling- fearing judgement or ridicule. It also undoes some of the powerful positives of what she shared.

Meghan Markle reached millions with those words about her mental health, her “ever present constant thoughts”…..” I didn’t want to be here anymore”.

By the very act of sharing her struggle, she has normalised something that can lie in the dark corners of people’s minds. 

She has also demonstrated that “you can speak about it” and “you can recover from it”. This a powerfully helpful message to anyone struggling. 

Remember, when people suffer mentally, it isn’t always obvious, nor does it happen overnight.

The truth is that stress, tension, anxiety or depression, all build slowly, until a point is reached where the symptoms cannot be ignored.

And because there is an impetus to stay in control, it is much more likely that a person will find it difficult to acknowledge that they’re struggling, denying it not only to others, but to themselves.

This is why, we must always take seriously any efforts that is made to reach out and  never cast doubt.

So, should we always believe someone when they say they’re going through a tough time or feeling low, or suicidal? 

Yes we should!

Because the alternative can do so much damage, and a precious opportunity to help can be missed.