Open Letter To Meghan Markle
Dear Mrs. Markle,
Thoughts of Gratitude
I write to you today in gratitude for your bravery in saying how you feel in your interview with Oprah Winfrey. Thank you so much for admitting to the world that you have struggled, that you are imperfect and that you needed help.
Your insights into the mental struggle of suicide resonated on a personal level for so many people, me included. Thank you for not doing harm to yourself and instead being a voice for good in, hopefully, convincing people that there is something to live for.
The Personal Struggle
To bring this to a personal level, I can remember laying in bed at night, all night, not too many years ago plotting the perfect death for myself. Where I would do it and who I wanted to see it first. It is absolutely terrifying to think about now. The difference between you and me, is that I let the shame of admitting these thoughts keep me from seeking help for a long time.
Night after night, I lay in bed scheming different plots to my end. I finally, after many weeks, talked to one of my religious leaders after church. Through his guidance and inspiration - along with the help of others - I was able to move past my thoughts of rage and anger and self destruction and destruction of others and how I would hurt them, to a place of contentment and appreciation for the life I have and the people in it.
Megan Markle: A Champion For Suicide Prevention
As I watched you talk openly about your struggle of mental health and a sincere desire to overcome the pain and pull of thoughts of suicide, your words resonated with me. I felt the struggle that you have had, the same one that I had. Your words impacted me, and so many others, to bring to light the power of our righteous desires to live and love those around us. The power of the higher purpose that is in our hearts drives us to do immeasurable things towards good.
You probably do not wish this on yourself, however, you have become a symbol of hope for so many. Thank you for being brave enough to be there for your family and now for all of us as someone who has overcome the thought cycle that leads to tragedy for everyone else left behind.
The Press Can Be Mean
As I watch and listen to the reports today in the wake of your comments, I am extremely disheartened by the comments of your family, and others in the press, who are calling you a liar. Especially your own sister. I have never found Piers Morgan entertaining to watch and his comments in the last day are frustrating. His immediate quip is “she is lying,” perhaps he has some hesitation to believe from knowing you personally. That is still no excuse to dismiss any comment or call for help when an individual reaches out for help, as you have done, on such a serious issue.
I was happy to see a message from The Queen expressing her love for your family. The hope is that your family is safe and that your team is able to feel safe in their daily lives.
In Conclusion
I doubt you will ever see this and that is okay. I write letters to people that inspire me and then I post them on my website. If you do, however, please know that you have a lot of people that support you and want you to live. You are valued and precious.
May God bless you and your family as it grows.
All the best,
Andrew Fernlund
P.S. To whoever else reads this, if you are struggling with suicidal thoughts. There is help. You are not alone and there are people to support you. Here is the National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 800-273-8255.
If you want an activity to get your mind off things, here is a Birdhouse Blueprint you can build with a loved one or a close friend.
We also have recipes and science experiments you can try with a loved one or a close friend.
One of the best ways to prevent suicide is to make a plan to do something in the future. Get active and stay involved in your life.