Kate Middleton Spreads Mental Health Awareness the Day After London Terrorist Attack

Kate Middleton is getting a head start on celebrating Mother's Day this year. The Duchess of Cambridge and proud mom was greeted warmly at London's Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists on Thursday for a launch of educational films dealing with maternal mental health. The films were created by Best Beginnings, a charity partner of Kate, Prince William, and Prince Harry's Heads Together Campaign. Once inside, Kate commented on the tragic terrorist attack in London that claimed four lives and injured dozens more on Wednesday. "Before I begin, I know you would all want to join me in sending our thoughts and prayers to all those sadly affected by yesterday's terrible attack in Westminster," she said. "We will be thinking of all the families, as we discuss the important issues we're here to talk about."

After discussing the terror attack, Kate continued with her planned speech that addresses the various mental health challenges that new mothers face. "Personally, becoming a mother has been such a rewarding and wonderful experience," she said. "However, at times it has also been a huge challenge — even for me who has support at home that most mothers do not. Nothing can really prepare you for the sheer overwhelming experience of what it means to become a mother. It is full of complex emotions of joy, exhaustion, love, and worry, all mixed together. Your fundamental identity changes overnight. You go from thinking of yourself as primarily an individual, to suddenly being a mother, first and foremost."

The princess hopes to start positive, life-changing conversations about the well-being of parents and their children. Thanks to all of her hard work with William and Harry in the arena of mental health over the last few years, the royal family is shining a light on topics that so frequently get pushed under the rug. "There is no rule book, no right or wrong — you just have to make it up and do the very best you can to care for your family," she continued. "For many mothers, myself included, this can at times lead to lack of confidence and feelings of ignorance. Sadly, for some mothers, this experience can be made so much harder due to challenges with their own mental health . . . Conversations are crucial for mental well-being and they should be part of everyday family life. Talking about a problem with a friend or another trusted person can be the beginning of getting better."