Kate Middleton Wants to Spread Mental Health Awareness to Children

The realities of anxiety or depression aren't usually taught alongside the ABCs, but the Anna Freud National Centre for Children and Families wants to change that. The organization started a campaign that will give resources to parents and teachers to encourage them to discuss mental health with children at a young age. Kate Middleton is on board and spoke in an introduction to a video explaining mental health aimed at young kids.

"It's important that our children understand that emotions are normal, and that they have the confidence to ask for help if they are struggling," Middleton said in a press release. "This is why I am proud to support the 'You're Never Too Young to Talk Mental Health' campaign by the Anna Freud National Centre for Children and Families, which is being rolled out across primary schools this autumn."

In the video, Middleton explains that talking about how you feel is difficult but important (which also happens to be why Instagram launched its #HereForYou campaign). The animated video differentiates "small feelings" from "big feelings" and encourages kids to speak up if they're dealing with something big that doesn't go away. It also instructs viewers to help a friend find an adult if they're dealing with something on their own. One character helps out a friend who's been acting differently by telling their coach.

The Royal Family has put a lot of work into raising mental health awareness. (They want 2017 to mark the end of the stigma surrounding mental health issues.) And this isn't the first time the Duchess has taken on kids' mental health specifically. Last year she filmed a PSA with kids about mental health resources in schools. Let this serve as a reminder that mental health issues do not discriminate. We're glad the Royal Family is helping spread awareness.