Princess Diana acted as patron for the health and social services nonprofit Turning Point. At a conference run by the nonprofit in June 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 discussed how managing depression alone can exacerbate the darkness; it's lonely. She addressed, as well, the fact that tranquilizers 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 added: "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? 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 that women are heard, she said, declaring, "Women have a right to their own peace of mind."
If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal ideation or is at risk, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline has several resources and a 24/7 helpline at 1-800-273-8255.
If you or someone you know is feeling anxious or depressed and needs help finding help or resources, the Anxiety and Depression Association of America and the National Alliance on Mental Illness (1-800-950-6264) have resources available.
If you or someone you know is struggling with disordered eating or an eating disorder, the National Eating Disorder Association (NEDA) has resources available, including a 24/7 helpline at 1-800-931-2237, or you can text "NEDA" to 741741.
