Duchess Kate Middleton is fighting for the cause of children with mental illnesses, and she truly believes that parents hold the key in improving their child's condition.
She urged parents to come out and seek help for their children's problems, no matter how difficult or minuscule, since things will only get worse if they decide to keep things to themselves, E! Online shared.
"We need to help young people and their parents understand that it's not a sign of weakness to ask for help," said Kate. "A child's mental health is just as important as their physical health and deserves the same quality of support."
She spoke during the U.K.'s first Children's Mental Health Week, and stressed concern that there are now too many kids who deal with anxiety, depression or other mental health struggles while growing up, either due to bereavement or family issues such as divorce.
"Both Prince William and I have seen that many young people are struggling to cope with the impact of bullying, domestic violence, family breakdowns and more," shared Middleton, who also added that these challenges could lead serious issues like anxiety, depression, addiction, and self-harm.
She then said that it's no problem for parents to seek help when their child gets a broken arm. So why should it be difficult for them to ask for help when their child is suffering from an emotionally anxiety?
"The sigma about mental health means many children do not get the help they so badly need. This needs to change," said Middleton, who also pointed out that open conversation and better understanding could lead to improve support to children on their mental health.
Kate recently visited Bethlem and Maudsley Hospital School in Beckenham, Kent to check on the students, aged 4 to 19, who are currently staying there. The visit was arranged by Place2Be, a non-profit organization catering to children with mental health problems by providing them with early intervention programs. The duchess has served as a patron since 2013.
During the visit, Kate spent an hour and a half meeting with the kids and staff, and inquiring about the needs of the hospital school.
Kate is currently pregnant with her second child, although the royal couple still has no inkling as to the gender of their next baby, and whether or not Prince George will have a baby brother or sister.
