The Prince of Wales shared his personal experiences with mental health challenges during a recent panel discussion focused on suicide prevention. Reflecting on his time as an air ambulance pilot with the East Anglian Air Ambulance (EAAA) between March 2015 and July 2017, he revealed that his mental well-being “deteriorated” as he felt the weight of “carrying everyone’s emotional baggage.”
In a candid conversation on BBC Radio 1’s Life Hacks, William underscored the importance of open dialogue regarding mental health, particularly among men—a demographic that he emphasized suffers disproportionately in terms of suicide rates. He described the situation as a “national catastrophe,” specifically highlighting that men represent 75 percent of suicide deaths in the UK, a statistic that equates to 6,242 fatalities recorded between February 2023 and January 2025.
William elaborated on the need for individuals to pause and reflect on their mental health, sharing a poignant moment from his time in the air ambulance service where he faced the harsh realities of helping people in dire situations. His message encourages men to break the stigma surrounding mental health discussions and seek support when needed.
This revelation from the Prince encourages both awareness and action in the push for better mental health discussions and resources. It is a hopeful reminder that acknowledging and discussing mental health struggles can pave the way toward healing and resilience, fostering a community where individuals feel empowered to speak up and seek help.