October 10th is internationally observed as World Mental Health Day every year with the intention to educate, and bring awareness about mental health-related issues so that others can continue to offer their support of mental health.
On Thursday, singer Ed Sheeran and Prince Harry of Sussex, posted a video on Sheeran’s instagram @teddysphotos, and the Sussex Royals instagram @sussexroyal. Both of them came together to bring light of the stigmas, and issues surrounding mental health. The video began as Sheeran walking into Prince Harry’s residence as they were discussing how they would collaborate to make a charitable video for World Mental Health Day. Despite the video giving a full and serious message, it provided a short humorous note of Sheeran vocalizing the stigma of being redheaded.
https://metro.co.uk/2019/10/10/ed-sheeran-thinks-meeting-prince-harry-defend-gingers-10895020/
“This for me is a subject and conversation which is just not talked about enough, I think people all over the world are really suffering,” says the Prince of Sussex. While Prince Harry had the intention of sparking the conversation of mental health, Ed Sheeran had a completely different message in mind. Sheeran then interludes, “With the jokes and snide comments. I just feel like it’s time we stood up and said, ‘we’re not going to take this anymore. We’re ginger and we’re going to fight’.” The perplexed Prince Harry addresses the miscommunication and questions Sheeran if they both are intending to speak about World Mental Health Day. Sheeran agrees and the video then sneaks on Sheeran’s computer as he deletes his intended presentation title,“Gingers Unite”.
The two well-known British redheads end the video on a serious note for others to reach out to those who are suffering in silence and start intentional conversations regarding mental health. “Reach out and make sure your friends, strangers look out for anybody that might be suffering in silence. We are all in this together.” says Prince Harry. “There’s no need to suffer in silence — share how you’re feeling, ask how someone is doing and listen for the answer, be willing to ask for help when you need it, and know that we are all in this together.” Sheeran added on his instagram post.
Here are some practical ways to reach out to others who are experiencing mental-health related issues:
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FInd out if the person is getting the help they need to get better; this can go as far as asking if they are “seeing someone (therapist)”.
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Ask questions, actively listen, and be responsive to what they are trying to tell you about their struggles.
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Continue to reassure that they are loved and cared for; offer a helping hand to them as well.
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Include them in your plans where it doesn’t seem pushy or overbearing; This can reassure them that they are known and are wanted.
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Educate yourself and others on the aspects, facts, and effects of mental health.
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Always treat others with respect, empathy, and compassion for those who are suffering in silence.
https://www.who.int/mental_health/world-mental-health-day/en/