LONDON — The Duchess of Cambridge has recorded a video message highlighting the stigma around mental health that often prevents children getting the help they need.

The message, which calls on both children and parents to talk openly about mental health, coincides with the start of Children’s Mental Health Week.

The Duchess says both she and William have seen how many children struggle to cope with issues such as bullying bereavement and family breakdown, which can lead to depression, addiction and self-harm.

“No one would feel embarrassed about seeking help for a child if they broke their arm and we really should be equally ready to support a child coping with emotional difficulties,” she says.

The rare video from the Duchess was recorded for Place2Be, which provides emotional and therapeutic services in schools.

The video was recorded at Bethlem and Maudsley Hospital School in Beckenham, south London. The Duchess is a patron of Place2Be.

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