Surge at mental health website after royal ad
The website of Every Mind Matters, a mental health website ran into a surge on Monday evening, with some relating it to a crash because of increased traffic. This is a consequence of the three-minute-long film which was played with the Duke and Duchess of Sussex voicing it. This is part of a Public Health England and NHS effort to help people care for their own mental health and that of their friends.
The website was down minutes after the broadcast of the ad. A spokeswoman from PHE was quoted saying that high traffic caused this breakdown. She said that technicians were working on the problem which was resolved soon.
The film comes four months after the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge as well as Sussex, have both launched a text messaging service for those who suffer from mental health crises through Royal foundations.
Written by Richard Curtis, directed by Rankin, and Voiced by Royalty, the film begins with Prince William saying: “Everyone knows that feeling when life gets on top of us. All over the country, millions of us face challenges to our mental health – at all ages – at all intensities, and for all sorts of reasons. We feel stressed, low, anxious, or have trouble sleeping. Me, you…”
Prince Harry then continues: “Your brother, your mother, your colleague, or your neighbor. Waiting, wondering, hoping, and hurting. We think there’s nothing to be done. Nothing we can do about it.”
Then Duchess Meghan pipes in with “But that’s so wrong. There are things we can do. From today, there’s a new way to help turn things around. Every Mind Matters will show you simple ways to look after your mental health.” And Duchess Kate finishes with “It’ll get you started with a free online plan designed to help you deal with stress, boost your mood, improve your sleep and feel more in control.”
The film also mentions that the Royals are joining hands with other public figures who have been affected by poor mental health. This list includes some famous names such as Gillian Anderson and Glenn Close, rapper Professor Green, Andrew Flintoff, the former cricketer, and TV figures such as Davina McCall and Nadiya Hussain.
