Not too long ago, I was speaking with a friend when he said to me, “You know, every single person — yourself included — has mental health issues.”

At first, I was surprised by his statement. Dare I say that I was even insulted by it. But as I reflected more on what he said, I realized that he was right.

Every single one of us does have mental health issues. Every single one of us has a mind and we all need to think about the health of it.

That's why I think the conversations that Prince Harry and Prince William ignited this week are so important and groundbreaking.

I love that Prince Harry bravely told the world that grief had wreaked havoc on his life and that it was his brother who encouraged him to get help, which he did. I'm grateful that Prince William also used his platform to talk about how shock, grief and trauma live on in your body and your mind long after a traumatic incident has taken place, leaving you with post-traumatic stress issues and other mental health challenges.

Both of these young men gave us insight into how the shocking death of their mother impacted their lives. They gave us insight, but they also guarded their privacy. Bravo to them both for advancing the conversation surrounding grief, trauma, shock, depression, anxiety and mental health.

As someone who also grew up in a public family impacted by traumatic events, I found this to be such a seismic moment. To hear men talking bravely and openly about seeking help lifts the shame and stigma around it. To hear public people use their platform to help ignite a conversation that needs to be happening out in the open is such a relief and gift to us all.

As an Alzheimer's advocate, I speak a lot about the mind and the brain. As a mother, I talk a lot about feelings and emotions with my kids because I grew up in a family that didn't talk about such things. In fact, the very first book I wrote is a children's book about grief, death, heaven and the questions we all have about this once-taboo subject.

When I was First Lady of California, I moderated a moving conversation at my Women's Conference about grief, as my mother had died two months before and I was grieving. You can watch it below.
 

As someone who has struggled with the concept for years, I wrote the introduction to Elizabeth Kübler-Ross and David Kessler's seminal book “On Grief and Grieving” and I have in my own way tried to advance the conversation on this subject. My friend Sheryl Sandberg and Adam Grant’s new book about resilience and grief will, I'm sure, advance it further. I applaud Sheryl for wanting to make the topic of grief a mainstream conversation. (You can read an excerpt from her new book here.)

Life-altering events impact not just our hearts, but our mental health as well. The same event can impact the members of the same family in different ways. It's naive of us to think that we can all just power on and power through without talking about how life's ups and downs impact our minds and our bodies.

My friend was right. We all have mental health issues. That doesn't make us weird or weak. That makes us human.

So, next time someone tells you or me that they are seeking counseling or have sought counseling — be it for the death of a loved one, the end of a marriage, the loss of a job, anxiety, depression, or whatever else they deem traumatic — be gracious. Be compassionate. Be understanding.

After all, what Prince Harry said was both profound and telling: he just needed someone to listen. I might add that he also needed someone to protect his privacy. Both are in short supply. But now that we know, we can give those gifts to one another starting today.
 

NEWS ABOVE THE NOISE

A VET'S TREK ACROSS THE U.S. FOR SUICIDE AWARENESS

The cost of war and the struggles of our veterans are all of our responsibilities. They fight for us, and for so many of them, the war continues in their minds. That's why I want to send thanks to Army veteran Ernesto Rodriquez, who just completed a 5-month, 2,200-mile journey to bring awareness of PTSD-related mental health issues. Ernesto served 15 years and attempted to take his own life twice. Through his walk, he said he hoped "to inspire those with dark days to push forward."

TWO SCIENTISTS TURN THE BRAIN INTO STUNNING ARTWORK

Our brains and our minds are such distant images for so many of us. That's why these images produced by Brian Dunn and Greg Edwards, two scientists-turned-artists, are so captivating and approachable. Their exhibit "Self Reflected" is on permanent display at the Franklin Institute in Philadelphia, but you can see more of their beautiful images of the brain here.

TAKE OUR DAUGHTERS AND SONS TO WORK: INSPIRING OUR CHILDREN TO BE TOMORROW'S LEADERS

This upcoming Thursday, April 27, is Take Our Daughters and Sons to Work Day, a day we can use to inspire our children to get curious about our careers and about their futures. In honor of that, we caught up with the woman who was the original creator of this day: Nell Merlino. Read our Q&A with Nell to learn how she feels opportunities in the workplace - particularly for young women - have changed since the day began in 1993.

ASK WHAT YOU CAN DO: JFK'S LEGACY IN 2017

This past Thursday, I had the honor of joining a panel at Harvard's Kennedy School to discuss the public leadership legacy of my uncle, President John F. Kennedy. The panel was part of a day-long symposium celebrating the 100 years since his birth. It was an interesting and important discussion about the state of politics and public service today, as well as how we can inspire a new generation to step up into positions of leadership. You can watch our discussion here.

VIEWS: PASSIONATE VOICES/POWERFUL PERSPECTIVES
 

"I Witnessed the Very Worst of Humanity Cripple the Very Best. Now I'm on a Marathon Towards Healing." — Elena Flores-Breese

Elena Flores-Breese was one of the many bystanders who witnessed the horrific Boston Marathon bombing in 2013. While she escaped any physical injuries, Elena's mind has struggled to make sense of the experience that is forever stamped in her brain. Elena shares her journey with PTSD and how she is now using her experience to help others find hope and heal.

"Pain From Loss Is Inevitable, But Suffering Is Optional." — David Kessler

"Spring Cleaning Can Help Build Resilience After Loss." — Allison Gilbert

A SUNDAY REFLECTION

A THOUGHT FOR THE WEEK AHEAD
 

MY MISSION: YOUR MIND

SHOP WITH A PURPOSE
 

"I just put the finishing touches on my first coloring book and I couldn't be more proud!"

"Color Your Mind" is for people with Alzheimer's and the people who love them. It's innovative, informative and inspiring, and I love that it's filled with creative ways to stimulate your mind. I hope you'll pre-order a copy and use it to connect with your loved ones. 

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!