Last December, my daughter Lady Gaga made the difficult, brave decision to open up to the world about her experience with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). As a mom, I was worried but also so very proud and hopeful about the message it would send.
Worried because I didn’t know how people would respond to this deeply personal admission about a topic that is still too often misunderstood. And proud because I knew the tremendous strength it took to share her story, driven by the desire to be honest about her own experiences and to help others understand that there is no shame in mental health.
The response was powerful. We heard from so many people who were grateful to hear her story and inspired to share their own. They were from every background and demographic – from high school students and veterans to suburban moms and high powered professionals, each with their own connection to mental health.
And among those who reached out was Prince William.
The Duke, along with the Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry, have launched Heads Together, a campaign to ensure that people feel comfortable with their everyday mental wellbeing and to combat the stigma that too often prevents people talking or getting the help they need. This mission is close to my daughter’s heart and is central to our goals at Born This Way Foundation.
So earlier this month, Prince William and my daughter decided to put their heads together and have a conversation about mental health, discussing the need to end the stigma that still shrouds the issue and the power of talking about it openly. The video, released today by Kensington Palace, is the latest in their #OkToSay series which showcases people from all walks to life discussing their mental health challenges.
My daughter and the entire Born this Way Foundation team are so honored to be able to support this amazing project. Please watch it here, share it with your friends and family, and remember – it’s #OkToSay.