Prince Harry believes good mental health is a “necessity” – not a “luxury”.
Prince Harry believes good mental health is a necessity
The 40-year-old royal – who has been candid about his own mental health issues over the years – believes it’s important to “talk openly about our mental health without fear of judgement”.
Speaking at the United Nations in New York City, Harry explained: “Good mental health, mental fitness, is not a luxury – it is a necessity for every single one of us. More so, perhaps, for our decision makers and those sitting in positions of power and influence.
“Addressing this issue requires not only global action, but also the courage to break the stigma, to talk openly about our mental health without fear of judgement.”
Harry recently urged politicians to take a hands-on approach to tackling the mental health crisis.
The prince said: “Surely one of the solutions here is for governments to implement, or at least find people-young people like yourselves-and bring them into decision making, policy-making situations, before the problems exist.
“We’re very good at creating problems for ourselves to try and solve, but surely by bringing young people in at the early stages… surely that is where the difference is going to be made.
“Why is that not happening?”
Harry also observed that courage is needed to tackle the mental health crisis.
He said: “Every single one of us needs courage in order to really move the dial and create positive change in today’s world, probably more so now than ever.
“Now we need to listen, constantly listen, and then act on the advice and the vision that you have because otherwise it’s your future that’s being stolen from you and that is unacceptable.”