Meghan Markle Says She Was Once the ‘Most Trolled Person in the Entire World’

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, focused on mental health during their recent trip to Australia, marked by a visit to batyr, a charity dedicated to youth mental health. This visit took place on April 16, local time, at Swinburne University of Technology in Melbourne, as part of their broader goal to raise awareness and reduce stigma surrounding mental health issues among young people.

Batyr operates through peer support programmes in schools and workplaces, employing storytelling from individuals with lived experiences to facilitate conversations about mental health. The organisation aims to empower young people to seek help and support one another, working towards preventative education and early intervention.

During their engagement, Meghan shared her personal experiences with social media negativity, revealing that she has faced relentless bullying and attacks online for the past decade. She described herself as “the most trolled person in the entire world,” emphasizing that social media platforms are not doing enough to protect users from cruelty. “For now, 10 years, every day for 10 years, I have been bullied and attacked. And I was the most trolled person in the entire world,” she stated, adding that these experiences resonate with the struggles faced by young people today.

The Duchess urged those in attendance to cultivate resilience in the face of online hostility, noting that the billion-dollar social media industry thrives on generating controversy and engagement through negative content. “You have to be stronger than that,” she advised, highlighting the need for youth to navigate these challenges effectively.

Prince Harry expanded the conversation by discussing the broader implications of social media on mental health, pointing out that it can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness. Reflecting on his own journey, he recalled a moment when he realised the necessity of therapy, saying, “I waited until I was literally in the fetal position, much older, lying on the kitchen floor. Until I was like, okay maybe this therapy thing — maybe I should try it.”

The couple also praised Australia for its proactive measures regarding social media regulations, particularly the government’s ban on usage for those under 16. Harry commended Australia’s leadership in implementing this ban, stating, “Your government was the first country in the world to bring about a ban. Now we can sit here and debate the pros and cons of a ban — I’m not here to judge that. All I will say is from a responsibility and leadership standpoint — epic.”

The central theme of mental health is of significant importance to both Harry and Meghan, who have long advocated for awareness and positive action in this area through their foundation, Archewell Philanthropies. Their initiatives focus on online safety and support for families affected by social media’s negative impacts.

In addition to their visit to batyr, the Duke and Duchess engaged in various other activities during their Australian tour, which included important discussions around community resilience, support for veterans, and mental well-being. A highlight of their schedule was the InterEdge Summit in Melbourne, where Harry served as a keynote speaker discussing workplace mental health initiatives. This event aimed to promote safe and supportive work environments while addressing the critical intersection of personal wellbeing and organisational responsibilities.

Both Prince Harry and Meghan have discussed their individual strategies for maintaining mental health, with Meghan emphasising the importance of setting boundaries. Harry revealed that he pursued therapy to address past issues before becoming a father, ensuring he could be the best version of himself for his children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet.

In recognition of their ongoing efforts to promote mental health awareness, the Duke and Duchess received the Humanitarians of the Year Award at Project Healthy Minds’ World Mental Health Day Gala in New York City in the previous autumn.

Their visit to Australia not only reinforced their commitment to mental health advocacy but also highlighted the importance of providing support and encouragement to young people navigating the challenges of modern-day life. As they continue their philanthropic work, both Harry and Meghan remain dedicated to fostering healthier conversations around mental health and wellbeing across communities.

For anyone facing mental health challenges, it is crucial to seek help and support. Individuals in need can reach out to helplines or visit relevant resources to connect with professionals capable of providing assistance.