Prince Harry Encourages Youth to Understand Their Mental Health
Prince Harry opened up about his mental health struggles in the past and has found a new way to encourage the youth to take part in understanding their growth.
At the OnSide Awards on Sunday held at the Royal Albert Hall, the royal dad of one has done his share in recognizing the achievements of the youth, the volunteers and the entire staff. Prince Harry, 35, was invited to deliver a speech before presenting the OnSide Health and Wellbeing Award.
OnSide is a charity organization that is focused on building state-of-the-art facilities they call "Youth Zones." These are safe and inspiring places where young children aged 8 to 19 (or until 25 for those with disabilities) can spend their leisure time in. These zones are strategically built in areas of disadvantage.
Earlier this year, the Duke of Suissex helped open the first London Youth Zone in Barking and Dagenham. The goal is to help recognize the young minds that help make a difference in their communities.
Mental Health For The Youth
Prince Harry introduced the newest member of the OnSide family -- Place2Be -- during the event. The organization's mental health charity, in collaboration with the City of London, will be providing mental health services in Youth Zones.
The first one would be with Future Youth Zone, a center in London that reaches out to the youth. It is set to open by the end of this month.
Prince Harry emphasized the importance of taking care of one's mental health. He believed that poor mental health could be a huge blocker to potential success. The Prince also spoke of how an understanding of one's mental health is as important as taking care of a person's physical health.
"By understanding our own mental health as much as we do our physical health, by knowing what makes us thrive rather than just survive, we'll be unlocking such incredible potential for ourselves and more young people up and down the country" Prince Harry said.
Prince Harry's Battle
Prince Harry is no stranger to mental health issues, as the Duke of Sussex has been open about his struggles and the painful years he spent managing it.
The difficulties came after the death of his mother, Princess Diana. Prince Harry previously admitted he needed therapy to help him manage his emotions and come to terms with accepting that his mother was gone.
The issues on youth mental health is close to his heart, as he went through the same in the past.
In the Onside event, the 35-year-old royalty also expressed his gratitude towards partner organizations that brought light into mental health. The concern for the youth should not only focus on improving their physical health but their mental well-being as well.
Prince Harry recalled the time when he felt empty and alone, that is why understanding their pain and having someone to talk to about it makes a huge difference for the individual and the community as a whole.
The support that Prince Harry showed the organization only strengthens its cause to make a difference. In recognizing the contributions of each one, the organization is able to encourage the youth to keep on trying to be better.
It all begins in an understanding of their own mental health. Prince Harry recognizes that and more.
