The Church of England's Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, said that Prince William's passion for advocating for mental health has been a factor in his own emotional struggles. Welby, 64, admitted that he battled with depression and sought help because of Prince William's encouragement.
Writing a piece on the Sunday Times, the archbishop thanked the Duke of Cambridge for publicly speaking about mental health. He said that Prince William's urging was effective as he had to deal with the emotional baggage of his life.
Welby grew up with parents who are alcoholics. He also suffered a major loss when his daughter died in a car crash at seven months. This is something that Welby has openly talked about in the past. He had a BBC interview where he opened up about his life's struggles.
The archbishop said that being ill with mental health issues is not pathetic, which is what Prince William has been saying in his advocacy. Welby said that it's a sickness like any other, which people have to get over and get well.
The Archbishop of Canterbury has a good relationship with the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge. He officiated all of the christenings of the Cambridge children -- Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis. He was also in many of the royal family's special religious events, both as a friend and as the archibishop.
Meanwhile, Prince William addressed the Church of England in an online message Sunday to mark the end of Mental Health Awareness Week. The Duke of Cambridge said that he is "determined to remove the stigma" surrounding this issue that people might still be hesitant to openly discuss.
Amid this pandemic, Prince William said that those struggling with their feelings might think that they are "burdening other people" so they might not to open up. However, the Duke of Cambridge said that the impact of the coronavirus lockdown is "far-reaching" thus it effects, especially on mental health, must not be downplayed.
Prince William said that if people are worried over their job security, struggling with isolation, or worried for their loved-one's health, it's crucial that they have someone to talk to. He reiterated that it's fine to have negative feelings and not be OK at times.
It comes as the Duke of Cambridge will also be featured in a documentary on mental health via BBC. Football, Prince William And Our Mental Health will air on Thursday, May 28.
