#oktosay

/ jenidriscoll

I was just watching the news and saw something really exciting, I had to share.

A video has been released of Prince William and Lady Gaga FaceTiming — he in the United Kingdom and she across the ocean, at home in her kitchen. The issue they discussed?

Mental health.

How great is that? These two high-profile people are addressing the need to have conversations about mental health. You can see their FaceTime call here.

Prince William and Lady Gaga are trying to encourage more people to be open about mental illness. Their talk is part of the #oktosay Heads Together film series.

Lady Gaga recently admitted she has post traumatic stress disorder. She’s been speaking out about her challenges and the importance of not being ashamed of having a mental illness.

The Royal Family — the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry — is committed to improving mental health issues, and has begun an initiative called Heads Together. It’s a campaign to raise awareness of mental health and to end the stigma.

This past week, Prince Harry opened up about his twenty year struggle with mental health issues after the death of his mother, Princess Diana. He says he had attacks of panic and rage, and has needed therapy to come to terms with it.

“It’s time that everyone speaks up and really feels very normal about mental health. It’s the same as physical health. Everybody has mental health and we shouldn’t be ashamed of it and just having a conversation with a friend or family member can really make such a difference.”  ~Prince William

Duke of Cambridge, Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Henry of Wales standing together

First image courtesy of here

Second image courtesy of here

44 thoughts on “#oktosay”

    • I completely agree with you. It also touched me so much! I was moved by Prince Harry’s story, and then this with Prince William and Lady Gaga. The Royal family is helping so many by spreading the word about their campaign to end the stigma. Wonderful!

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  3. I love this. I first saw Prince Harry talk about his mental illness. How awesome that people are finally talking about it
    Maybe it will finally help the stigma. I sure hope so!!! My favorite line in the films were that we exercise for physical health what do we do to help our mental Health?
    I think for sure it is to have good support system and good people to talk to. Awesome. Princess Diana would be so proud of them!!! Thank you for sharing. I am going to reblog this. Thank you. Hugs. ❤ Sue

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  4. Reblogged this on My Loud Bipolar Whispers and commented:
    I love this. I first saw Prince Harry talk about his mental illness. How awesome that people are finally talking about mental illness, Get rid of the shame. Maybe it will finally help reduce the stigma. I pray it will! My favorite line in the films were that we exercise for physical health what do we do to help our mental Health? I think for sure it is to have a good support system and good people to talk to. Awesome. Princess Diana would be so proud of them! Let’s talk. It is time to talk and share our feelings. Too many times people ask how are you and everyone says they are good when they are not and I also think many people do not really want to know the truth or your story or they do not have the time to listen… but people should make the time to listen. Be that one person in someone’s life that cares. I care. Hugs. <3. Sue

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  8. On my blog at times, I will write about my depression and anxiety and the tremendous need for more treatment and care. So many people with mental illness are incarcerated where they get no or minimal treatment. The more awareness the better! I also ask for communal prayer for our pastoral community to speak on this issue in church. Every congregation, just based on statistics is affected in so many ways. Thank you for sharing your journey!

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    • Thank you! Mental illness affects all walks of life and needs to be talked about. As you said, the more awareness, the better. Thanks for your kind and thoughtful comment, I appreciate it!

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  12. The fact that such high-profile figures are addressing these issues in such a direct way gives me so much HOPE! I actually teared up and very nearly cried. Thank you for sharing this!

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    • Thank you Lulu! I know, it’s really touching that they did this. I was super excited and happy that they’re saying exactly what we’ve been saying… that mental health needs to be discussed openly to help end the stigma. It makes me feel so good, and yes, filled with hope, that they feel the same way as you and me, and so many others! xx

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  15. Bravo to Lady Gaga and Prince William! The more we discuss mental illness in a nonjudgemental way, the sooner we can help end the stigma that unfortunately, surrounds those battling it everyday. Thank you very much for sharing this.

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    • You’re so welcome, it was my pleasure. I absolutely loved that they did this. Breaking down the stigma is going to take time. But seeing something like this makes me hopeful! Thanks for visiting here and your nice comment.

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  17. Pingback: #oktosay — Peace from Panic – Antara India

    • There’s a reblog button near the like button. But I’m on my phone right now, and I don’t see a reblog button. Guess I’ve never reblogged from my phone, just my computer. And I’ve been blogging for two years! I should figure this out. Are you on a computer or phone? I’ll look into this. Thanks for visiting here, I appreciate it!

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