In a segment on CBS News Sunday Morning, Meghan spoke with Jane Pauley, mentioning that she hasn’t “really scraped the surface” of her personal experience, despite sharing some details of the abuse she received during her 2021 interview with Oprah Winfrey.
In a newly aired interview, Meghan, along with her husband, Prince Harry, discussed their children, Archie and Lilibet, and promoted the Parents’ Network. This community, launched by their charitable organization, The Archewell Foundation, consists of parents who have either directly or indirectly lost a child due to exposure to online social media.
During an emotional moment, Jane noted that Meghan’s own experiences with suicidal ideation connected her with the organization’s parents.
The broadcaster, attempting to be sensitive to Meghan’s feelings, prompted Meghan to open up. “I understand why you are [being careful], though – I wasn’t expecting it, but I understand why you are, because there is a through-line, I think,” Meghan said.
“And when you’ve been through any level of pain or trauma, part of our healing journey (certainly part of mine) is being really open about it. I haven’t really scraped the surface of my experience. But I would never want someone else to feel that way, make those sorts of plans, or not be believed. So, if voicing what I have overcome will save someone or encourage someone to check in on others genuinely, then it’s worth it. I’ll take a hit for that,” Meghan explained.
In her 2021 interview with Oprah Winfrey, Meghan revealed she had previously experienced suicidal thoughts. “I was really ashamed to say it at the time and ashamed to admit it to Harry, especially because I knew how much loss he has suffered. But if I didn’t say it, I knew I would do it,” she shared. Meghan explained that the relentless negative media coverage caused her extreme distress, leading her to confide in Harry and seek professional help.
Harry has also spoken about Meghan’s mental health during this time, admitting that he felt “ashamed” of his initial response when she confided in him just hours before a charity event at the Royal Albert Hall. On the mental health series The Me You Can’t See, which he co-created and produced with Oprah for Apple TV, Harry said: “I’m somewhat ashamed of the way that I dealt with it…
When my wife and I were in those chairs gripping each other’s hands as the lights went down, Meghan started crying. I felt sorry for her but also really angry with myself that we were stuck in this situation. I was ashamed that it got this bad. I was ashamed to go to my family because, like many people my age, I knew I wouldn’t get what I needed from them.”
Having worked with a trusted therapist, Meghan continues to encourage anyone struggling with their mental health to seek outside help.
