Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby is speaking out this week to reveal how Prince William stepped up to help him when he was “struggling” with depression.
William has long been a mental health advocate, and he supports many charities that deal with mental health, so he was the perfect person to support Welby when he began to struggle.
“I am deeply grateful to His Royal Highness for speaking publicly about mental health and hope it might encourage others who are suffering alone to seek help and support,” Welby wrote in a Sunday Times editorial that was published this past weekend.
Welby, 64, went on to credit William for saving him.
“It encouraged me to seek help when I was struggling, help which was effective,” he said.
Welby has long been close to both William and Kate, as he officiated the christenings of all three of their children Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis. He also baptized Meghan Markle when she joined the Church of England before her marriage to Prince Harry, and he attended their ceremony at St. George’s Chapel in front of Queen Elizabeth II.
William himself spoke out on Sunday to address the Church of England, saying in his video message that it was the final day of Mental Health Awareness Week.
“I am delighted to be able to join you today and I am particularly pleased that this week’s service is focused on the importance of positive mental health and well-being,” William said, according to People magazine. “Mental health is an issue Catherine and I care passionately about, and we are determined to all we can to remove the stigma attached to it.”
William went on to say that nobody should fear “burdening other people” or feel hesitant to speak up amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The impact of coronavirus has been far-reaching, and we shouldn’t underestimate its effects on us and on those in our families and communities,” he explained. “Whether people have lost or are worrying about loved ones, struggling with isolating at home, feeling anxious about job security, or working on the front line, now more than ever it is important that we talk to one another about issues we’re struggling with and it is OK to not feel OK.”
“Catherine and I have both found great comfort in the wonderful acts of kindness we have seen happening right across the nation,” William concluded. “The Christian teachings of faith, hope and love could not be more appropriate as we all try to navigate our way through these uncertain times.”
This piece originally appeared in UpliftingToday.com and is used by permission.
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