Prince Harry played a big role in helping Iwan Thomas through a tough period in his life, the former Olympic athlete has revealed.
The Welsh sprinter, 50, reached the dizzy heights of silver at the Atlanta Games in 1996 before taking gold at the World Championships in 1997 and breaking world records.
However, he has candidly admitted that years later he was having suicidal thoughts as he dealt with depression.
Speaking openly about the tough period in his life in his new book, the former Strictly contestant explained how all the highs of his career happened so quickly before being taken away from him.
He revealed he sought counselling, but said it was words by Prince Harry that stuck with him.
The athlete met the Duke of Sussex in 2016 at a Heads Together event, the mental health initiative set up alongside Prince William and Princess Kate. He labelled the pivotal moment the “weirdest thing” as he stood alongside Harry flipping burgers.
But it was at that moment he found himself really opening up about his struggles. He wrote: “I hadn’t ever really spoken about depression or dark times. I suddenly just opened up to him. It was very bizarre but because he was a stranger I felt I could talk to him. He’s been through so much himself, it was easy to talk to him. It opened that tin and allowed me to talk to other people.”
Iwan admitted he wished he had opened up soon, saying it’s a “bit of a blokey thing not to talk”. But he admitted in bottling it up, it only makes the matter worse. “It doesn’t matter what you do for a living, whether you are a member of the Royal family or you drive a taxi. If depression is going to get to you, it’s going to get to you,” he continued.
Prince Harry’s support for Iwan Thomas during a tough period in his life highlights the importance of seeking help and opening up about mental health struggles. It’s inspiring to see how a candid conversation with a stranger, even a member of the Royal family, can make a significant difference in one’s journey towards healing.
It’s crucial to break the stigma surrounding mental health and encourage more open conversations about depression and anxiety. Bottling up emotions only exacerbates the situation, as Iwan Thomas bravely admits. Regardless of status or occupation, anyone can be affected by mental health issues.
By sharing his story and the impact of Prince Harry’s words, Iwan Thomas sheds light on the power of vulnerability and connection. Let’s all take a page from his book and prioritize our mental well-being by reaching out for help when needed.
Remember, it’s never too late to start a conversation and seek support. Let’s continue to support each other in our journeys towards mental wellness.
Prince Harry’s impact on Iwan Thomas during a challenging period serves as a reminder of the importance of seeking assistance and sharing about mental health struggles. It is truly inspiring to witness how a sincere conversation with a stranger, even a member of the Royal family, can significantly alter one’s path to recovery.
Breaking the stigma associated with mental health is crucial, and we should strive to promote more candid discussions about depression and anxiety. Keeping feelings bottled up, as Iwan Thomas bravely acknowledges, only worsens the situation. Mental health challenges can affect anyone, regardless of their position or profession.
By divulging his story and highlighting the impact of Prince Harry’s words, Iwan Thomas sheds light on the strength found in vulnerability and human connection. Let’s all learn from his example and prioritize our mental well-being by seeking support when necessary. Remember, it’s never too late to initiate a dialogue and seek assistance. Let’s continue to support each other on our individual paths towards mental wellness. Stay connected with us for additional valuable content and to provide us with the encouragement to share more beneficial information with you.
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Source: The Wall Street Journal
