The Duke of Sussex has described his mental health struggles in a recently released video masterclass focused on grief and emotional wellbeing. He recounted experiencing a significant depressive episode approximately two weeks after moving to Canada in 2019, which he characterized as an abrupt shift following his departure from the UK.
Harry explained that the change in environment led to a sudden drop in physical stress responses. He noted that while residing in Canada, his body transitioned from a state of heightened adrenaline to what he described as an “adrenaline crash.” This physiological shift affected his functioning, as he felt unable to perform even basic household tasks without the stimulation he had previously relied upon. The duke expressed that he had become dependent on stress as a mechanism to maintain mental clarity and productivity.
Beyond his recent relocation experience, Harry addressed long-standing grief related to his mother’s death. He disclosed that he maintained emotional numbness for an extended period, which he connected to feelings of guilt about experiencing happiness. Following his mother’s funeral, he reported not crying for nearly two decades. Harry credited therapeutic intervention, specifically the suggestion to use his mother’s perfume as a tool for emotional processing, with helping him recognize that she would have wanted his happiness.
The video features contributions from neuroscientist Mary-Frances O’Connor of the University of Arizona, who discusses how the brain processes loss. The masterclass was developed by MasterClass, with filming occurring in California over the summer. Harry and his wife recently announced their return to the United Kingdom with their two children after six years in the United States, with reports indicating they are now based in the Cotswolds.
Article Attribution | Read More at Article Source
Article summary produced by Claude AI