Why Prince William's poignant call for more male role models should be heeded
‘You had people in sadly very difficult situations that you were having to help them with. Over time I noticed my mental health really deteriorating,’ says Prince William
According to official figures published in September, there were 704 probable suicides in Scotland in 2024, with men about three times more likely to take their own lives than women.
So when the Prince of Wales spoke about the need for more male role models to help normalise understanding of men's mental health, he was addressing an extremely serious issue. He was speaking not just as a member of the Royal Family, but as a former air ambulance pilot.
READ MORE: How Prince William's raw emotion talking to widow about husband's suicide can help break the stigma
"We had busy jobs and you had people in sadly very difficult situations that you were having to help them with,” Prince William said. "Over time I noticed my mental health really deteriorating and I hadn't really clocked onto it because, in that community, you try and make light of some of the moments just to keep sane and keep going.”
Many men in stressful jobs or difficult situations will recognise the Prince’s typically male response to distressing events. In speaking about his own experiences, William is himself acting as a male role model and, hopefully, his words will encourage others to seek help if they need it.
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