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Duke And Duchess Of Cambridge Launch Mental Health Film Series

We are HERE for this.

This is the kind of royal treatment mental health deserves.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are yet again lending their voice to those living with mental illness, this time with a 10-part film series through their mental health campaign Heads Together.

The initiative, which is called #OKToSay, features videos on the importance of speaking up for mental health. The goal is to encourage more people to start discussions around emotional well-being. Prince Harry is also participating in the project.

Attitudes to mental health are at a tipping point,” the royals said in a statement. “We hope these films show people how simple conversations can change the direction of an entire life. Please share them with your friends and families and join us in a national conversation on mental health in the weeks ahead.”

Each video showcases people with mental health issues as they talk about how acknowledging their condition helped them learn to accept and manage it. They also highlight stories about the person’s first time talking about mental health with a loved one. The conversations explore the importance of not staying silent when it comes mental illness.

The trio launched the new videos on Thursday right before World Health Day, which this year aims to focus on depression and the treatment gap for the disorder. Recent data from the World Health Organization found that depression rates have climbed 18 percent in the last decade. More than 300 million people globally experience the mental health condition, yet nearly half of them don’t get treatment.

Previous research suggests people may avoid seeking help due fear of shame from their peers. Public advocacy like William, Kate and Harry’s can help change that, according to experts.

Head on over to the Heads Together campaign’s website to watch the #OKToSay videos and learn more about the project.

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