凯特王妃就英国首个儿童心理健康周发表视频讲话

A Video Message by The Duchess of Cambridge for the UK’s First Children’s Mental Health Week

16th February 2015

The challenges facing children in the UK today can often feel overwhelming.

Both William and I have seen that many young people are struggling to cope with the impact of bullying, bereavement, domestic violence, family breakdown and more.

Without support, the effects of these challenges can be traumatic, leading to serious issues such as anxiety, depression, addiction and self-harm.

The stigma around metal health means that many children do not get the help that they so badly need.

This needs to change.

That is why the charity Place2Be is asking us all to talk openly this week.

We need to help young people and their parents understand that it’s not a sign of weakness to ask for help.

A child’s mental health is just as important as their physical health and deserves the same quality of support.

No one would feel embarrassed about seeking help for a child if they broke their arm and we really should be equally ready to support a child coping with emotional difficulties.

Through Place2Be I have seen the benefits of offering children support for their mental health in the safety of the school environment.

William and I sincerely believe that early action can prevent problems in childhood from turning into larger ones later in life.

That is why we’re both supporting Place2Be this Children’s Mental Health Week, and I hope you’ll join us.

Together, with open conversations and greater understanding, we can ensure that attitudes towards mental health change and children receive the support they deserve.