Why does Meghan Markle sharing her Story matter?
Meghan opened up about the suicidal ideation she experienced when pregnant with her son, Archie. Both her and Harry shared regarding the pressures as royals and the lack of support they received from the “Institution”. The racist and negative tabloids attacking Meghan were brutal and the Monarchy did not help to protect her from these attacks. They also shared regarding racist under tones within the royal family.
Following Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s interview, I did some digging on Princess Diana. I watched a recent documentary “Diana: In her Own Words” and found it to be so, so powerful. Diana was way beyond her time. So vulnerable and honest. What an inspiration to be willing to fight cultural expectations of women. Be brave and share your story. Being honest does not make you “hysterical”, “weak” or “difficult”. She got married at 19 (!) and was open about her mental health struggles with bulimia, suicidality and self-harm throughout her marriage to Prince Charles. She was a humanitarian and a brilliant woman.
Meghan (similar to Diana) was willing to share about one of her darkest moments. As viewers, we saw that privilege does not negate mental health challenges. This is so powerful. Meghan has shown us that suicidality impacts all social groups. Meghan giving voice to these vulnerabilities, provided strength for herself and others. Her being brave gives permission for others to get help.
When having thoughts of suicidality, it can feel like there is no other option apart from death. No other way out. She was denied help but she didn’t give up. How painful it must have been to be dismissed by the Monarchy. She shared her pain and her pain did not matter. Meghan was still able to get out. There is a way out. There is always a way out.
I think about Prince Harry and how Princess Diana’s trauma would have impacted him. Prince Harry shared observing the similarities between Meghan’s treatment and his mother. It was remarkable that he was able to acknowledge the extra layer for Meghan. The agonizing racism she experienced.
A lot of time when people go through grief and suffering, they find it difficult to acknowledge other’s trauma. I have seen this with the “Black Lives Matter” movement of 2020 following the death of George Floyd. There were protests for “All Lives Matter” in retaliation. It’s not comparable. Yes, there is suffering in all races and social groups. But suffering in these groups (privileged and white demographics) has nothing to do with their cultural and ethnic background. That’s the difference. With the black community and other people of color, they are treated differently strictly because of their skin tone.
Meghan was brave enough to call out the systemic racism that was ongoing within the monarchy. She gave a voice to black women who often feel voiceless.
I don’t think we’ll ever truly know the answer to why “bad things happen”. But I do believe that we can use our trauma as a way to connect us with others. To help support and inspire others. Like Diana, Harry and Meghan did. Trauma can often feel shameful and isolating. But when we do share our darkness, it can inspire others to be open about theirs. There is nothing more powerful than being open with someone about your pain and being accepted. You’re not alone. And you can and will get through it.
Song of the Week!
Kokomo – The Beach Boys. The weather is nice and reminding me of summer!
