The Mental Health of Actors

Trigger Warning: This episode will discuss themes of self-harm and suicide.

Suicide Prevention Resources:If you or someone you know is experiencing thoughts of suicide or self-harm, please reach out immediately:

• 988: Connects you directly with a mental health professional.

• 1-800-SUICIDE (784-2433): National suicide prevention hotline with trained staff ready to help.

Media Links:

• Website: delvepsych.com

• Instagram: @delvepsych20

• YouTube: youtube.com/@DelvePsych20

• Substack: delvepsych.substack.com

Participants:
Hosts: Ali McGarel, Adam Fominaya

Overview of Big Ideas:

• The Hidden Cost of Acting: Ali shares her deeply personal experiences navigating mental health challenges while pursuing acting professionally.

• Identity and Passion: The complexities actors face when their identity and self-worth become intertwined with their professional success.

• Navigating Rejection: Strategies and emotional truths about handling frequent rejection and maintaining self-esteem in a competitive industry.

• Comparative Suffering: Exploring the inevitable comparisons and envy actors face, and how to manage these difficult emotions.

• The Courage to Pivot: Understanding the strength required to step away from a passion when it becomes detrimental to one's mental health.

Breakdown of Segments:

• Delve’s Mission and Services: Introduction to Delve Psychotherapy's therapeutic offerings and current availability.

• Ali’s Personal Journey: Ali discusses her transition from acting in LA to psychotherapy, highlighting mental health struggles common among actors.

• Self Harm and Mental Health in Acting: Discussion on the mental health risks in the acting industry, including Ali's experience of losing a fellow actor to suicide.

• Challenges Unique to Actors: Managing rejection, financial instability, identity crises, and unrealistic expectations.

• Advice for Current Actors: Practical advice on maintaining mental health, setting realistic expectations, and finding fulfillment outside of professional success.

• The Decision to Leave Acting: Ali describes the grieving process of leaving the industry, framing it as an empowered, courageous decision rather than a failure.

• Psychotherapy Group for Actors: Introduction to an upcoming psychotherapy group specifically designed to support actors in Illinois.

• Relationship Insights: Brief discussion on healthy communication strategies in relationships, emphasizing emotional vulnerability and understanding.

References & Further Reading:

• Brene Brown’s work on vulnerability and resilience.

• Alfie Kohn’s Punished by Rewards, discussing intrinsic vs. extrinsic motivation.

• Self-Determination Theory (Deci and Ryan), exploring how external rewards can reduce intrinsic motivation.