Count CMHA Ontario among the organizations and individuals applauding Prince Harry this week.
The prince opened up about his two decades of mental health challenges after the death of his mother, Diana, Princess of Wales. His interview with Britain’s Daily Telegraph newspaper led to widespread media coverage.
Mark Henick, CMHA National Director of Strategic Initiatives told CBC’s The National that when Harry, the fifth in line for the throne, speaks out, it normalizes discussion of mental illness.
“When people like Prince Harry and others speak up about their own experiences, it gives average people permission to do it too,” Henick said. “It lets them know it’s ok to speak up no matter what your position is, no matter what your experience has been.”
Watch coverage of Prince Harry on CBC’s The National (at the 13:22 mark).