Prince William says air ambulance work affected his mental health

Prince William told BBC Radio 1 that serving as an air ambulance pilot gradually damaged his mental health and that taking a longer break helped him recognise the emotional burden he had been carrying.

Prince William spoke on BBC Radio 1's Men's Health Special about the impact of his former role as an air ambulance pilot on his mental health. He said that repeatedly witnessing difficult situations and supporting distressed families gradually affected him. He reported that over time he noticed his mental health deteriorating and that he had not initially realised it. He said a longer break later helped him see that he had been carrying other people's emotional burdens. Key points: - The remarks were made on BBC Radio 1's Men's Health Special during a programme addressing male mental health and suicide. - Prince William said that working as an air ambulance pilot and supporting families in distress gradually took a toll and that his mental health deteriorated over time. - He said a longer break helped him recognise he had been carrying others' emotional burdens; the article noted that Samaritans were listed as a support resource and gave contact details. Summary: Prince William described that front-line emergency work had a cumulative emotional effect and that stepping away helped him understand the impact. The comments were presented within a wider discussion of male mental health and suicide. Undetermined at this time.