Princess Diana acted as patron for the health and social care services nonprofit Turning Point. At a conference run by the nonprofit in June of 1993, Diana spoke about women's mental health and how hard it is to be seen as the caretakers of society when we can't take care of ourselves. She spoke, too, about this belief engrained in us that admitting that we need help takes "enormous courage."
Diana discusses how managing depression alone can exacerbate the darkness; it's lonely. She also speaks about the fact that tranquillisers and sleeping pills were historically overprescribed to women. "These pills, these 'mother's little helpers,' have left a legacy of millions of women locked into a terrible torment, doomed to a life of dependence from which there is still very little help to escape."
Diana continued, "Isn't it normal not to be able to cope all the time? Isn't it normal for women as well as men to feel frustrated with life? Isn't it normal to feel angry and want to change a situation that is hurting?" she challenged. "Perhaps we need to look more closely at the cause of the illness rather than attempt to suppress it. To accept that putting a lid on powerful feelings and emotions cannot be a healthy option."
Toward the end of her speech, Diana stated of women: "If they feel they must sacrifice everything for their loved ones even at the cost of their health, their inner-strength, and their own self-worth, they will live only in the shadow of others and their mental health will surely follow." It's important, she said, that women are heard, and "women have a right to their own peace of mind."
If you or a loved one are experiencing suicidal ideation or are at risk, the NHS has an Urgent Mental Health Helpline and Samaritans has several resources and a 24/7 lifeline at 116 123.
If you are feeling anxious or depressed and need help finding help or resources, the Samaritins (116 123) and SANE (1-800-950-6264) have resources available.
If you or someone you know is struggling with disordered eating or an eating disorder, Beat has resources available including a helpline at 0808 801 0677 as well as an one-to-one web chat service.