The other day, I was trying to figure out how I felt about The Me You Can’t See, the AppleTV series about mental health, produced by Oprah and Prince Harry. We had yet to see anything from it, and I was thinking about what the worst-case-scenario would look like and I’ve been lowkey concerned about it. But the trailer just came out and I’m not worried at all now. It looks like it’s going to be tough to watch in some moments, but it also looks massively inspirational and powerful. I cried watching the trailer:
I should have known that the combination of Oprah + Harry would equal a high-quality production which is emotional, uplifting and watchable. My bad. Love the cameo from Meghan too, and I’m really curious about how the episodes are edited and how it will all come together. I also can’t wait for another round of melodrama from the usual suspects in the British media. Harry will have, inevitably, blind-sided the palace and this Apple series will, of course, be the final straw. How dare Harry speak about his mother’s death so soon after his grandfather’s death, how dare he allow himself to be “used” by a… series he produced. Honestly, I have no idea what they’ll say, their arguments are always that deranged. They’ll probably pick apart something else entirely.
This series premieres on May 21, Friday. The weekend papers in the UK are going to be full of stories about this.
Screencaps courtesy of AppleTV.
It looks incredible. Powerful, moving, personal – I can’t wait to watch it. It looks so well done. I also got a little teary-eyed watching it.
The british press is absolutely going to melt down but we all heard Harry say last week that he cant be bothered about that anymore, because they’re going to melt down no matter what he does.
And how cute and happy does Meghan look??
Also, just adding that we have Discovery Plus because I have apparently never met a streaming service I don’t need (besides Hulu for some reason lol) and it has William’s nature documentary on it. I can’t decide if I want to watch it or not lol.
I wouldn’t give William’s documentary the clicks.
It took me a while to come around for Hulu, but they have some decent stuff.
@becks 1 : Discovery Plus is AMAZING. Make sure to spend the extra $2 for no commercials! I have been in a really, REALLY dark place lately and I started watching Expedition Unknown from the start (plus the extra Afterlife and extraterrestrials specials) and this is the only thing to give me joy and laughter in a long time. I’ve been trying to convince my family and the very few friends i have to watch it, but no one is listening to me.
Instead of laying in the bed all day with no one to talk to and just feeling isolated, lonely, anxious and depressed, that show made me feel adventurous, as if i was on the Expedition as well. And josh gates is wickedly funny.
@CatLady26, hugs🤗
Look at the Sussexes unleashed! Look what they can do! Some real ACTUAL change! This is what happens when your “service” isn’t something that occurs solely to justify your existence (as public service does for the monarchy). This is what happens when you have a larger vision and an understanding of the potential capacity for change that you possess. Harry has really just catapulted to the top of my list of people who I admire!
Well said
I teared up too; I’ve struggled all my life with ADHD and later in life with PTSD and I felt this instant connection with everyone in the trailer, especially the man that said he “wrote stories on his arms that no one can see”.
I wasn’t sure if I was going to watch it but that trailer did it’s job so I will definitely be watching. I got a new phone recently so I don’t mind the free year of Apple TV that’s comes with it.
I wasn’t sure either but I am definitely watching. I’ve had depression and anxiety, starting in my teens. It’s been a perennial problem that I should have addressed more aggressively way sooner than I did. The stigma attached to therapy, medication etc. lingered long past the time it was supposedly acceptable. The stigma is still there, more so for some than others. Which is a shame because therapy and medication, finding what works for you, makes a HUGE difference.
This looks good.
Honest to God. I’ve been coming to grips with my depression and medical ptsd and basically what my self worth is rooted in during this past week. And seeing this? This trailer for the series? God. It makes me feel strong and brave and normal. Thank you Harry. Thank you Oprah. Thank you.
My daughter told me two years ago that if she was even 2 minutes late for a lecture she couldn’t go inside because she couldn’t bare the stares. She rather stay outside and listen to the professor with the door half way open. She has anxiety. That really hurt my heart. She is in therapy now. What Harry and Oprah are doing is really great.
This makes Will and Kate’s YouTube look like a highschool production.
Yup. But honestly, it’s not hard to outshine them. There are teenage YouTubers who are running laps around them when putting out quality, engaging YouTube product.
I can’t honestly wait for it. I have been watching a lot more documentaries lately and this seems right up my alley. I already got teary during the trailer, I’m afraid of what I’m going to be like for all 6 episodes.
Same. I’ll be increasing my cbd a couple hours before tuning in.
Omg I cried too. This is exactly what the world needs right now, the validation for all of us who are struggling
Same…
I’m very interested to see how access to mental health treatment will be discussed during this special–especially for people in the world who are living in areas with very little or no access to mental healthcare. Or who cannot afford it.
And is this only available on a streaming platform? Or will this be available for everyone to view?
Such good question @Jenns.
Because I cannot afford mental or dental health care.
And Netflix, my only streaming service, is on my budgetary chopping block
$15.00 per month doesn’t sound like a lot, but $180 a year hurts overall, and is 1/2 the cost of a visit to my dentist.
But my son, who also has MH issues, watches and needs it (his only ‘escape’ as he struggles to read) so I’m caught between a rock & hard place.
I’ve only ever seen clips, not the whole thing, of H&M’s Oprah interview
I may never get to see this whole series
Which ends up hurting and emphasizing how down I am…..
I am so sorry, Gail Hirst. Your post made me feel the injustice of how almost everything useful, informative, helpful is monetized. My hope is that the production will be available for main-stream television and/or on free streaming.
It’s my fervent hope that this series will shortly be available broadly for free. I am certain that whoever owns it (Oprah? Harry? A production company?) has the ability to make a deal to get it out there. They can still earn money by having commercial breaks. I hope that the Sussex Foundation will lead in the ability to have more trained mental health services available to people who cannot pay. And if we do get “Medicare for all” that it will include mental health care.
AppleTV+ offers a free 7 day trial, so you should be able to access the series for free! Just have to cancel after 🙂
I work for a mental health app called HelloMind- it is affordable and has a free trial period— so there are some options for you out there. I would suggest to start off trying a few different apps and seeing which one works best for you. 😀☺️ And to try my app, of course 😀🧘🏽♂️🌈☺️ But really, you do have some lower cost options depending on what your issue is. Good luck!🍀
There are some decently priced tele mental health programs. If you want, I can look into them for you.
This is a good reference to some affordable treatment options:
https://www.nbcnews.com/better/health/mental-health-services-how-get-treatment-if-you-can-t-ncna875176
When the news of this series dropped earlier this month i was seriously concerned that it would only contain peoplle from the entertainment/ sport industry. But if im not mistaken i saw a few everyday people in there as wel. I love that. I honestly cannot wait to watch this
My understanding is that it is mostly every day people plus Oprah, Harry, a few celebrities and athletes, and a lot of mental health professionals. They also have Robin Williams’ Zak who has become a mental health advocate after his father’s death so really looking forward to seeing him too.
I am glad Harry is doing more things indivually and upfront so they wont find another angle to blame Meghan.
Meh. They’re gonna blame her anyway. They’ll twist it six ways to Sunday to !make it her fault
There’s going to be comments about Meghan not being able to be left out, “HOW DARE SHE” insert herself into Harry’s childhood traumas. Even though it is under 1 second in the trailer, I can see it now.
Oh, you haven’t heard? She’s radicalized him! They blame her for everything he does, every word he says out loud. Oh well. He will continue to be his own man and do what he’s called to do: Lead inspire, advocate.
This looks to be a very meaningful series. The trailer itself brings the tears out. If it’s harshly criticisized unnecessarily and Meghan/Harry are somehow dragged for it-the rotas/BM/BRF are telling on themselves and their true agenda. I think Meghan and Harry are past concerning themselves with how some factions will respond.
The RR response is already happening.
“God, Harry! Stop banging on about your FEELINGS! Your feelings are causing your family members to have feelings! Don’t you realize they’ve spent centuries repressing their feelings in the name of SERVICE!? If they’re not allowed to have feelings, then why should YOU be allowed!? Now you’re making ME have FEELINGS! How DARE you!”
It’s the most absurd thing. Camel Toe Tominey is the worst offender with this argument saying ppl will get tired of hearing about his story. How? He is a mental health advocate. An advocate or any expert in a field is sharing THEIR STORY for their entire lives. His story is actually still unfolding and will continue to do so as long as he lives. I really hope he delves into how his mental health was impacted after suffering the loss of a child. Men need to hear it.
What’s horrible about Tominey is that her mother was a serious alcoholic and she has spoken about the trauma she faced growing up with an alcoholic mother. So she’s willing to deny her own lived experience in order to suck up to royals who don’t give a damn about her at all. Strange. She’s literally cutting off her nose to spite her face.
Personally, I believe what will happen eventually is a lot of people will get tired of listening to the royal 🐀🐭🐀harping on, whinging and whining about the Sussexes, it’s really getting old really fast.
I feel like sending this to every single one of my relatives (including my da*n mother) who told me I was selfish and self-centered when I started therapy
Sounds like they were very afraid of what you’d discuss in therapy. Which sounds super narcissistic, and gaslight-y.
Very much. It’s why I relate to these Harry and Meghan stories so much – and how sometimes I honestly find them a bit triggering. It was all ” these are family issues” and “of course as usual you blame everyone else” and “your issues are your own fault” and ” you chose to leave the family and now you’re in therapy?” and the list goes on. Needless to say, I’ve gone no contact and am the better for it, but it is still sad that it came to this.
i’m so sorry. I went through a period like that with my mother, turns out a lot of her dependent and (as I aged through adulthood with my own family) manipulative behaviors toward me/my family were the result of my abusive father’s gaslighting and threats against her ( he’d take her kids(us) away, he’d ruin her, etc). I had a good therapist and opened a conversation with my mother that was very enlightening, vulnerable for us both, and mended most of my wounds. We reconciled a year before covid, thank goodness.
I hope you have found peace, and that one day those who hurt you will open their hearts and take accountability for the hurt they have caused you, so that you can heal.
Do it, unless you’re no contact because they are detrimental to your health and healing.
Oh, my add just got the better of me, and you *said* you were no contact but I missed it. I sincerely apologize.
love your second comment.
ADD/ADHD here
and a blurter with very little filter, no matter how hard I try.
My morning prayer: Dear Lord, please keep Your arm around my shoulders, and Your had across my mouth ….
I’m the same Snazzy. When Harry mentioned generational pain I felt it with my whole body.
That really resonated with me too. My family was hugely dysfunctional before people really knew what personality disorders were – my mother was BPD, my sister NPD. They did a real number on me growing up but of course they were really accomplished at making me feel it was all my fault. Took me until my late thirties to shake it off but I still find certain things triggering. From what I’ve been able to find out through other family members both sides of our family had mental health issues going back several generations so I’m just happy I was able to escape with my mind relatively intact.
I am looking forward to watching this! Looks great. As someone who struggles with anxiety, I can relate to what they are saying here. It’s terrible to be made feel like you are crazy. There should be more conversation about this. I am dealing with generational trauma in therapy and has been such great help.
I cried, I am looking forward to this
All those years they tried to make Harry think he was dumb and a third wheel, they needed him to believe it because the minute he found someone supportive and began to believe in himself…. with the correct mental health assistance, he has become the holder of his mother’s 1000 watt star power. He is outstanding in positions where he communicates with people by film or in person. He has real passion and even with his privileged life he has empathy. Bill gets to spend his life being outshined the way Diana outshined Charles, no wonder Charles bonded will the evil brother.
Coming back to this, I can’t help but think that Harry’s REAL crime here (in the eyes of the British press) is that he’s usurped the UK class structure. He was in a certain position, number X in line to the throne, and he bailed. Even beyond this, think about how Harry talks about how traveling the Commonwealth helped him form his thoughts about social justice and mental health, etc. That’s not the role of the monarchy, is it? The monarchy descends upon a place. The value bestowed on that place is top-down. But here Harry is talking about how the Commonwealth helped HIM, opened HIS eyes. The value was transferred from the bottom up. And Harry is sitting here putting himself next to the people of the Commonwealth, saying we’re all in this together. Empathizing with THEM, showing THEM as full human beings. That’s not how British colonialism works, does it? Harry is turning everything on its head.
Great point @ Grniewnie. He’s reminding us that humans are human, and every single damn one of us deserves equality and kindness. This foundational honesty shows the lies and weird nothingness in class and respectability politics.
right? In leaving, he’s exposed the class structure/monarchy’s relationship to the British media for what it is: hollow, toxic, and contributing to internet hate and ultimately social injustice. He’s only able to do this because he left the structure behind. If he’d stayed, the structure would’ve forced him to conform to it and stay silent while he put up with abuse from the media. Look at how much more effective he is going to be from the outside. I’m really inspired by this! He’s clearly put the thought into what he can do, how he can use the limited power he has, for good. It’s great. He’s got a good shot at actually effecting change because he’s driven by a sense of purpose or calling as all of this relates to his mother, and he’s got so much class privilege behind him to enable his reach. How many people in positions of power actually use their power for good? He is doing it, and I love it.
Excellent comment @GrnieWnie. I totally agree. Harry being lambasted by the British media at every turn isn’t even really about Harry, the individual. It’s about the monarchy and British imperialism (including white supremacy) as institutions, as ideologies. Harry is challenging huge systems that he was supposed to be the representative and face of. THAT is why so many in the UK have a problem with him.
It’s similar to why many white American women have a problem with Meghan, b/c she is “ruining” the idea of the white woman’s privilege and status and better-ness and superiority to Black women and other WOC. It’s not really about Meghan for them, it’s about Meghan tearing down their deep-seated beliefs about how the world works and their elevated place in it.
There are many white women think, consciously or unconsciously, that a pedestal is an appropriate substitution for equal opportunity and access to power. That only works if there are other women who will be less than you, and look up to you as a standard of beauty and behavior. But this isn’t spoken–it’s tacitly understood by the ways that white beauty standards and certain types of behaviors (passive, meek) are held up in society. WOC know that this pedestal has never had a place for us.
There are white women who hate Meghan because they are white supremacists, and others who hate Meghan because “there’s something about her…I don’t trust her.” It’s the “She must be fake/a bad person/bad because I hate her” not “I hate her because she’s a bad person”
And Harry is supposed to represent the most aspirational apex of the social pyramid, and he has turned his back on it. That’s why the ratchets and the rest of the haters take his leaving so personally, and why they want to blame Meghan for it so desperately.
What if they started recognizing how much their own terrible attitudes reflect their own senses of self worth, or lack thereof? But hate is attractive–it makes people feel powerful, which leads them to believe they are powerful, even though the world can see that they aren’t.
@Ianne I love your comment: “There are many white women think, consciously or unconsciously, that a pedestal is an appropriate substitution for equal opportunity and access to power. That only works if there are other women who will be less than you, and look up to you as a standard of beauty and behavior. But this isn’t spoken–it’s tacitly understood by the ways that white beauty standards and certain types of behaviors (passive, meek) are held up in society. WOC know that this pedestal has never had a place for us.” Thank you for articulating what I have thought for many years and tried to put into words but never put it as succinctly and clearly as you have here.
The best way I could explain it to others is that I, as a WOC, have never been able to dream of being Cinderella who gets plucked out of a crowded ballroom and gets to go be the princess in the castle. I knew from the time I was very small that that wasn’t an option for me in the U.S. I would just never be found beautiful enough, or worthy enough or whatever, to be given that kind of reverence — what you call the “pedestal.” Which I accept and would rather work to get equal opportunity and access!!! (I dare not even dream of equal pay.) But I think a lot of little white girls still grow up with the delusion that one day the pedestal will be theirs, indeed.
[Oh and btw, Meghan Markle was certainly, by any objective measure, beautiful enough and worthy enough to earn the love of Prince Charming and “get to” go live in the castle — and if the white institution doesn’t think *she* is worthy then they would never find any WOC worthy. Her excellence and subsequent rejection/demonization proves the theory that WOC can *never* aspire to that Cinderella pedestal.]
Yes, Harry is promoting egalitarianism. Can’t have that, y’know. /s
Harry is blooming, my God what a transformation we have seen.
I know it. He’s one of my most intriguing public figures. And I always have a dose of cynicism with celebrities because so much is PR. But his arc is just remarkable. So much privilege, so much tragedy. Youthful indiscretions including outright racism (nazi costume etc) that he probably didn’t get in ENOUGH trouble for. But my god is he the definition of someone who legitimately took his life and grew. And has now made adult life and family choices that are surprising yes but are so authentic and reflective of who he is and what he feels. I remember several years ago, before Meghan, he spoke at a Women’s day event or function. I forgot the exact context. And his words on feminism felt fairly radical to me for a rich white guy who’s life is the definition of unearned privilege. And since then I’ve always low key observed him. And man did he just grow into a fantastic adult life and role with integrity and authenticity.
Literal tears watching this trailer. Wow. I remember growing up talking about mental health was so taboo and that was only 15-20 years ago! I never spoke about my struggles and it wasn’t until my early 20’s that I first went to therapy. I went back to therapy last year and it has been a lifesaver (literally). I lost my uncle to suicide, 2 days later the country basically shut down due to COVID and then 6 months later my 38 year old brother died very unexpectedly and I won’t go into the details of the trauma associated with that. And then in January me and my wife separated. I can’t wait to watch this.
And yet you’re still here. This anon. internet commenter is proud of you and in awe of how strong you are.
This anon internet commenter too. You are amazing @Erica. Hugs across the ether.
Virtual hugs to you – you’ve been through so much but you’re keeping on and reaching out. Wishing you great things.
That’s a lot to go through. Glad you’re still here.
***hugs***
Sending love, Erica. I admire your courage and your grit and your persistence. And I hope you keep healing. ❤️
I cried watching that trailer.
This series is needed badly.
What I like most about this is the way it shows that mental health is an issue for everyone, no matter what your life looks like from the outside. No matter your privilege or lack of it, no matter where you live, what your background is, what your circumstances are. The utter lack of compassion toward people who speak openly about their mental health issues if they’ve achieved any measure of (often perceived) success is ugly and infuriating.
And I have to admit, the image of Robin Williams gutted me. I worked in a comedy club in college, and got to know several comedians (some who became famous or semi-famous, some who just built a career playing regional gigs). The most engaging, hilarious comedian onstage was often someone obviously struggling with issues off stage, and seeing how public perception was different from reality was an eye opening experience for me and (thankfully) a lesson I’ve tried to take to heart over the many years since.
I can’t wait to watch this. I have struggled for years with mental health and some days it takes all I can to just get moving. It’s so hard to talk to anyone and explain how I’m feeling. A sense of shame, embarrassment. I struggle with guilt. Why do I feel like this when so many have it so much worse than I. The only one who truly knows how hard I struggle is my husband.
Sometimes just hearing that you’re not the only one and it’s ok to to reach out is such a comfort. Hearing other people’s stores of how they get through it is empowering. I think that this documentary and starting the conversation is so important to show that we all struggle and it’s ok to get help & lean on others when you need it is a powerful message. I commend them for the work they’re doing.
You are not alone at all. “I’m lucky for these reasons, so I shouldn’t feel like this” is a common but still wrong refrain. Hardship doesn’t cause anxiety or depression on its own, your brain already has to be wired for it, so it doesn’t matter if you’re experiencing hardship or if your life, for all intents and purposes, is blessed. It’s nothing you’re doing, and recognizing that you’re in it is the best first step.
Thanks so much for that. The hardest part for me has been the ability to open up and talk to a stranger about it. I can’t even verbalize it myself sometimes so trying to explain it is near impossible. It’s terrifying to relive it thought talking about it.
I so appreciate your encouragement and kind words. This page is such a blessing some days. This feels like such a loving, warm community of people. Bless you all!
I know what you mean. I would make a list, these are all the good things in my life, these are all the things I have that other don’t, so what is wrong with me? Why don’t I care? Finally, after telling myself over and over to just do it, I told my doctor, I think I’m depressed. She wrote me a prescription. Just that lowest dosage was enough to lift me up out of the fog. I still have to work at it and take medication every day and knowing you are not alone really helps.
Also, I watched a music video an artist made about his anxiety and depression. And the visuals were exactly how I felt, how I would describe being depressed. Blue and gray lighting, trapped in a box-like room, banging around trying to find the way out. He finds the door and steps into the light, to find he’s on the back of a truck going down a road. He climbs to the top, conquers the depression, but that box still travels with him.
So not only am I not alone in being depressed, but other people suffer the same way. It was astounding and relieving to discover that.
I hope you find a way to get better. For me it has to be medication, and then other things help. You are not alone.
OT: I have not been able to figure out how to get Apple tv on all my android devices. Is there an option that I’m missing?
I dont know about Android, but we have it on our Roku.
OK wait I just googled, you cannot get it on Android. But you can get the app on Samsung smart tvs, Roku, and Amazon Fire TV (not sure if you can get it on a firestick or just the fire tv.)
Thank you!
I downloaded the Apple TV app on the firestick and it works as long as you sign in the app.
Question: do I need an apple device to watch this? It looks so moving and inspirational. The addition of Meghan is definitely a hook for even the haters to watch. I hope it at least helps some of them to seek out the support they need.
No, Apple TV Plus is the streaming service or app, its different from Apple TV (which is a device. ) you should be able to get the app in your app store, I responded to someone above that you can’t get it on Android devices but my googling is now giving me mixed results for that.
If you want, you can stream it on your phone or computer at tv dot apple dot com.
Unfortunately I don’t have Apple+ so and can’t afford it (or any streaming service at this time) so unless it comes to YouTube or just some sort of cable or satellite or even “regular” tv I won’t be able to see it. I really want to because just judging by the promo it’s gonna be something.
Apple TV+ offers a free 7 day trial 🙂
I believe #sussexsquad will be having a watch party.
Chk Sussex Squad Watch Parties on twitter…..@SquadParties
Well, Oprah is a media powerhouse and entertainment royalty – I had no doubt that she and her production team would turn out a high-quality product. I did have some doubts about Harry – never doubting his good intentions, but I didn’t expect him to be so smooth and professional, take-charge and just present. I thought there’d be some of the vague William awkwardness in him. The James Corden piece changed that for me and now I’m continually impressed by how Harry is navigating through his new life.
I didn’t know much about Harry or any of the royals for that matter before Meghan entered the picture. It’s incredible how effective the media were at portraying him to be the village idiot and I’m really impressed at how intelligent and thoughtful he actually is. The two recent things where he really shines are his Fast Company interview and podcast with Dax Shepard. If people haven’t already they should check them out, especially the podcast.
Harry has IT, what Diana had. He is living her dream.
Yes! Unlike Diana, he has a supportive partner that helps him grow…
I will def watch this – the trailer is powerful and moving and I think Harry will be very open about his struggles which its going to massively trigger the BM and RF. Again!
WOW. I have no words right now. I am going to watch this and then need to digest it for a few days.
I love this. Harry is tremendous. And he is a Star.
@India I think a lot of people thought Meg would be dragging Harry around as her +1 to all the podcasts, digital media, documentaries, etc. because we had never really heard Harry use his own voice without palace constraints but boy were they wrong. Harry is perfectly FINE on his own – the podcast was amazing and he’s so polished and poised. I’ve watched the piece with Corden several times and giggled – my former Army husband was completely charmed too. Good love will cause you to bloom.
I’ve got AppleTV so I’ll be giving this a watch. Looks very very well made and will be an informative watch
Oh gosh, did this usurp the keens photo shoot having the best time ever playing ping pong and archery?
I don’t have apple + but it looks fantastic.
I got a free 1-year subscription to AppleTV when I upgraded my iPhone. I have yet to watch anything on it….fortunately I still have my subscription for another 2 months! Great timing!!
Along with this, then you should definitely also watch Ted Lasso. It’s a 30-minute comedy and it is sublime. It’s won awards and has been nominated. It will pick up your spirits. Wholesome, real, and authentic.
Thanks for the reco! I’ll check it out.
The press is going to be outraged about this. But who cares? The promo looks so good and I’m glad Harry has finally found his voice.
The world was justifiably horrified to see Harry walking at his Mother’s funeral. We felt so protective of him because we knew this was devastating for him and to his development to lose Diana and be left only with the cold Windsors. Back then, no one would have batted an eye if someone had suggested that, in the future, Harry might try to escape royal life. We would have nodded and thought it would be for the best for him. Never would we have imagined the current unhinged pile-on/deranged tabloid feeding frenzy against him and his wife. This new found hatred toward Harry for expressing his feelings would have been unimaginable back then. Which tells me the British people don’t care about Harry’s well being at all and it’s good that he is out of there.
A lot of them don’t care. And even some who do care, suffer the lack of ability to see how much their beliefs to be angry over this is being dictated by a bias media. Just look at the self-harm over Brexit.
Something so important and it’s limited to Apple TV!? 😢
And yeah, he’s been championing mental health for a long time. I don’t see this as him being used. I see this as him trying to use his platform to help others.
This project was announced back in 2019 for AppleTV. This is just the fragmented nature of viewership now. So many streaming services. If this hadn’t already been inked for Apple, it would be on Netflix. I think some people thought this production was not going to happen or move forward, especially after the Sussexes left their royal roles and signed with Netflix. Looks really interesting.
It’s a good topic, but as a Syrian American, my heart bleeds for the little Syrian boy who was subtitled as saying “I’m afraid.” It’s a little jarring to see a war victim’s problems juxtaposed with a royal.
Actually, theyre both human. So they have that in common.
This thinking actually contributes to the silence and stigma of mental illness and mental health. By that logic, the majority on this site shouldn’t speak on our issues because they’re not “real” problems compared to victims of war. I think Harry would certainly not equate his struggles to a war victim’s but the point of of the documentary is to show that this issue is universal. We all experience hardship, loss, suffering as human beings that impact our mental health. People judging you or me or a celebrity for speaking about our issues because our lives are relatively pretty good in other ways doesn’t help.
I went through war and I still carry that fear. It has affected my life and my mental health immensely. Seeing Harry speak about this, gives me courage and comfort. Let’s not gatekeep mental health of any kind
It is jarring, but I think that’s a good thing. I’m glad the series is showing people of all walks of life talking about their mental health issues, because one thing that contributes horribly to those issues is the belief (within yourself and from others) that people who have it ‘good’ should just deal with things in silence because it could be worse. That thinking adds to the stigma and the guilt associated with seeking help. (I’m weak for feeling this way, I mean, I got covid but I survived and wasn’t even hospitalized. I’m weak for asking for help, I have a job and supportive husband, and so many people don’t have either. I shouldn’t talk about how bad I feel, I’m from a wealthy, privileged background and there are people living in refugee camps).
Someone is always going to look (on the outside) like they have it better than others in any circumstances, even among people who have faced the most horrendous of circumstances.
A close relative (doctor, treats covid patients) has a history of depression, and anytime she talks about her negative feelings and how hard it is at work…every time…she says “I should stop, I should be grateful” and goes on to list friends in the same field who are working longer hours, are in hospitals that were/are overrun with covid, have gotten sick, have sick relatives, are single parents with young kids to take care of, etc. And it’s not healthy for her to internalize her own pain, because her feelings are valid and need to be acknowledged and dealt with too, and she shouldn’t feel ashamed to voice them…and I hope she watches this!
I once saw a saying to the effect of “Telling someone they shouldn’t be sad because others have it worse is like telling someone they shouldn’t be happy because others have it better” and it may sound trite or cliche but it honestly helped me kinda reset my thinking. Wanting a change or wanting to address your issues/demons etc is not ingratitude and we do such a disservice to ourselves as humans when we make it seem like suffering is an Olympic sport where only the best (worst) get the medals. This series looks really interesting and I’ll def watch.
Excellent comment LILPEPPA40. This whole thread is wonderful. As to therapy: All I can say is therapy is worth it so — if you feel it will help — take the leap through your fears or societies expectations and put yourself in a safe place. I suffered through some pretty traumatic childhood events. I had to beg my parents to allow me to seek help in therapy. They finally allowed it but only on my promise that I would keep it a secret. My father saw it as a real sign of weakness and my mother never acknowledged it. She’d drop me off at therapist as if I was going to the library. Neither of them EVER acknowledged it or commented to me about it. I’ve used the therapeutic process several times over the course of my life and it has ALWAYS been of value.
strawberry that’s a good point. But Harry too has been in a war zone, albeit not the same as a small child. he does have appreciation for it. also, his mother was killed when he was a small child simply because of the label of princess di being followed by photogs which has happened to him most days of his life and also his wife and son. so royal or not, that’s trauma.
Oh my goodness. My eyes teared, and everything got blurry. I don’t think I can watch this lol. It’s way past due, and it looks phenomenal; I hope millions watch. I’ve lived with depression for so long, I don’t know how it feels to be unencumbered. And being surrounded by alpha males is a very tough daily pill to swallow, but I hope others watch, and mental light bulbs illuminate the world with hope.
Was that baby Archie in a split second live action shot on Megan’s lap??!! SQUEEEE!!!!
I know Apple + subscriptions will go up now. Wonder if anyone has checked out the keens youtube channel since the day they announced it. Maybe keens sugars.
Cannot wait! It’s been a long time coming. People need to be informed. No stigma, no judgement. I love him and all he does.
This looks good and I will definitely watch it. I guess my only problem is that it finishes with a lot of hugs and so many people don’t necessarily have that support system.
I am soooo happy for Harry. He is leaning into the power he always held. Title or no title, royal or regular person… lets judge people by the content of their character as the Late great DR MLK quoted.
One of the mental health experts in this series treated me. She is a pure soul who has dedicated her life to helping others. I can’t wait to watch this.
She told me Apple will be giving free previews each day an episode is released.
i can’t WAIT to see what the British gutter snipes do on the weekend of this release. I love watching those idiots twist themselves into knots with their spit, vinegar, bile, and envy. lOVE IT!! lol :)))
For the last 10 years I’ve been trying to advocate for more childhood trauma therapists. I hope this series promotes this need. I adopted a child born to addicts and had a very difficult time finding the right therapist. I can’t begin to tell you how much she helped her and the rest of us. Even before my second daughter my career with troubled children showed me the desperate need for that type of specialized therapy. Also the need for school counselors being able to spot those needy kids then steer them in the right direction. Too often in education the counselors have a very narrow job description due to shortages. Most school counselors have huge overloads of children to service making it impossible to help all that need help. We need more school counselors instead of being cut from the budgets. There was a dire need before COVID and even more so now. I’m so excited to watch this but may need to in segments. By the way my daughter is happy and healthy, feels safe and secure and confident due to her therapist whom she still sees and will continue to see through high school. Our thinking is that throughout different periods of her life there will be bumps in the road, normal growing pains that can be addressed in therapy.
As a former teacher, I can say that most school counselors have way too much on their plate (as do most teachers in general). You usually have one counselor for the whole school, and they’re expected to help students pick colleges, assist with applying for scholarships, and usually teach classes too. Any type of one-on-one student interaction is saved for the neediest of students only. Mental health is severely overlooked in a lot of schools, but as with many things, that’s a result of budget shortfalls.
You’re so right. A building in a suburban district has 3 counselors for 600 students which is considered fortunate in comparison. Up until 3 years ago they only had 2. Ridiculous and harmful.
I can’t wait to see this. As someone who suffers from depression, I am hoping this will open judging eyes to just what it is all about.
Also, I can’t help but think about just how much Meghan and Harry are the opposite of the typical prince / princess fairy tale. I’m beginning to realize just how much she swooped in and saved Harry. She showed him love and concern for his mental health and helped him in so many ways. It reminds me of Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman saying she would save the prince in the castle . (Or something to that effect.)