Strictly star JJ Chalmers turns to Prince Harry for support in a mental health crisis because the Duke “gets it”. They became friends while serving in Afghanistan, where JJ was horrifically injured. JJ, a former Royal Marine commando, suffered life-changing injuries in an IED blast in 2011 that cost two of his comrades their lives. Now campaigning with insurance firm Zurich UK to help the long-term sick return to work, JJ credits Prince Harry’s Invictus Games for injured service personnel with saving his life and rebooting his career. The pair’s close bond stems from facing the same pressures and struggles, allowing JJ to be himself around Harry without needing to put on a smile.
JJ has been vocal about his mental health struggles, including burnout, stress, and the pressure to keep smiling, which he revealed last year. He shared that he spoke to Prince Harry about these challenges, and the Duke has been supportive and understanding. JJ highlighted the importance of having someone like Harry to talk to openly and honestly about his mental health, without the need to hide his struggles or put on a facade. Their friendship and shared experiences from their time in Afghanistan have created a strong support system for both of them.
Prince Harry’s creation of the Invictus Games in 2014 played a significant role in JJ Chalmers’s life, providing a platform for injured service personnel to showcase their skills and talents. JJ expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to participate in the Games, which he believes saved his life and gave him a new sense of purpose and direction. Harry’s initiative has not only impacted the lives of many individuals like JJ but has also inspired a sense of camaraderie and resilience within the veteran community.
Apart from his mental health struggles, JJ Chalmers has also been proactive in advocating for injured service personnel’s rights and support. Teaming up with insurance firm Zurich UK, JJ has been campaigning to help the long-term sick return to work, emphasizing the importance of providing proper assistance and opportunities for individuals facing life-changing injuries. His efforts align with Prince Harry’s focus on supporting veterans and promoting their physical and mental well-being through initiatives like the Invictus Games.
Aside from his professional endeavors, JJ Chalmers has also shared his personal journey of recovery and resilience after the IED blast in 2011. His friendship with Prince Harry and involvement in the Invictus Games have played a crucial role in his rehabilitation and career reformation. By speaking openly about his challenges and seeking support from Harry and others, JJ has become an advocate for mental health awareness and destigmatization, inspiring many individuals who may be facing similar struggles to seek help and prioritize their well-being.
In conclusion, the bond between Strictly star JJ Chalmers and Prince Harry goes beyond friendship – it is a source of support, understanding, and mutual respect. Their shared experiences in Afghanistan, along with JJ’s mental health struggles and advocacy for injured service personnel, have strengthened their relationship and created a platform for meaningful conversations about well-being and resilience. The impact of Prince Harry’s Invictus Games on JJ’s life underscores the transformative power of initiatives that support veterans and promote their physical and mental health, highlighting the importance of community, compassion, and solidarity in overcoming life’s challenges.
