the mental health issue.
No matter who who are, or what you have- we’ve all struggled with things like anxiety/depression. Mental illness is not exclusive, and you are not alone. We must keep ourselves educated, check in on one another, and encourage open conversation.
These four artists, actors, and actresses are sharing their stories-
Lexi Rabe
How has your mental health had an effect on your everyday life?
I’m generally pretty happy, but I do notice that when I’m sad I can’t do as much.
It’s a common perception that those who work in the industry “have it easy”. What has been the biggest challenge for you personally?
The biggest challenge is working so hard and hearing no. A lot. I’m always afraid that my last movie was my last job, and that scares me.
How have you been able to work through it, and what advice do you have?
I have to remind myself that if it IS my last job, it was so much fun. My advice is to keep reminding yourself that you’ve got to be and do more than anyone else. Be happy with that.
Jake Austin Walker
How has your mental health had an effect on your everyday life?
My mental health varies during the seasons. I’d normally credit myself as being pretty self-assured in what my day to day goals of life are. Truth be told some days are just harder than others. It can be a difficult process to stay on the enlightened, self forgiven mindset all the time. I’ve learned through trial and error that it’s better to admit to yourself that you’re experiencing lows rather than always trying to keep composure. Your body will tell you everything you’re truly feeling if you’re willing to listen. Some days you just need to take a breather and accept the glum moments to allow yourself to truly indulge in the euphoric ones.
It’s a common perception that those who work in the industry “have it easy”. What’s been the biggest challenge for you personally?
I love what I do. I realize how lucky I am to make a living in something I’m so passionate about. That being said there are struggles to the job that come along just like any other. My biggest challenge in this industry when I was first starting was the complete and utter rejection you sludge through until you find that shiny ‘Yes’ for a project. It’s all business and at the end of the day that can be harsh on your mental state. That doesn’t stop either. You don’t always shoot a project and your phone is ringing off the hook. Most of the time you’re just heading straight back to the same routine — back to the possibility of rejection — back to proving yourself. That’s why passion has to be your main purpose. This job like no other, in my experience, forces you to find your passion and your purpose every single audition. Every single day.
How have you been able to work through it? What advice do you have for those struggling with things like anxiety/depression?
Journaling like you meant it: Writing down every fear, worry, abnormality of your day. Getting into the real side of yourself you may not want to see can be a real rapture of emotions. Not denying those negative thoughts and looking them right into the eye when you write them down can give you power over them, and show you how small and futile they can be when seen on the page.
Some of the best advice for my mental health came from some of my favorite books! Reading has become one of the best ways for me to clear my head when it starts getting over stimulated. Some tips I’ve learned:
The longer we run away from what we are truly feeling the sooner it eats us alive. Our body speaks to us in so many different ways. We just have to listen.
Declutter. We are creatures of our environment and social structures/groups. These have an overwhelmingly high influence on our mental state more than we would like to give credit to. There’s nothing wrong with taking time for yourself to try new environments or reorganize original ones. The psychological benefits of cleaning your room alone are miraculous.
SAM HUMPHREY
How has your mental health had an effect on your everyday life?
Growing up I didn’t have the healthiest mindset which led me down the road to trying to take my own life. I took on the opinions of what the world said about me and allowed that to define my mental health; to the point where I believed that I wasn’t enough, I would never make it, I wasn’t worthy of being loved etc. That all drove me to the point where I didn’t feel I had anything to offer the world. I didn’t believe in myself or love who I was, but I have learned through a journey of self discovery that being different is the best part of who I am and that I have a unique perspective to offer the world. Now I have rules I place to monitor my mental health, and it’s my mental health journey that has lead me doing the advocacy work I do as well as having and building a platform that celebrates diversity, inclusion and empowerment.
My Rules for Mental Health:
1) Express Gratitude Everyday
2) Spread Love to Yourself and Others
3) Be Positive
4) Self Care (It’s not selfish.)
5) Speak Positive Affirmations (Words have power.)
It’s a common perception that those who work in the industry “have it easy”. What’s been the biggest challenge for you personally?
I would say the biggest challenge is the misconception of entertainment industry people “having it easy”. I don’t like to complain as there are people in far worse situations/circumstances than I, but I have never had it easy. I have fought from Day 1 and have overcome many challenges. I have faced death on a number of occasions due dealing with different health issues, but I think the personal challenge I have is being discriminated against as a little person. I am constantly belittled by people around me. They place their own preconceived notions on me, I’m judged base on how I looked rather than my mindset, abilities and achievements; they don’t take me seriously and treat me like a kid. They treat me as though I’m in over my head and don’t know what I’m talking about or incapable of rising to the challenge. And try to control how I succeed.
How have you been able to work through it? What advice do you have for those struggling with things like anxiety/depression?
I still deal with it today but I would say especially now as I get older, I work though it by understanding that not everyone is gonna be in your corner. You can’t force people to believe in you. This industry is so competitive that unfortunately many people want you to fail, they are counting on that to make themselves feel better. In this industry 99% of people are out for themselves and seeing you succeed makes them feel insecure. They will discriminate, tear you down and tell you you that your idea is stupid or you will never make it so they can get ahead; less competition and makes them feel better about what they have or haven’t achieved. I learned that it’s about standing your ground, knowing who believes in your vision and not letting other peoples opinions/negativity cloud your ambitions and mindset. If you believe in what you're doing and are making a positive impact than those people can make all the noise they want. Just don’t let it affect you.
My advice to people dealing with depression and anxiety is to seek help/support from people you trust. Know that they really believe in you and want to help. Just be you. Don’t let the world tell you who you are or what you’re capable of. What do they know about you? Only you know and can decide if you are going win at life, and the game of life has unlimited ways to win. The way to win is to do whatever it is that brings you joy or that you consider is successful. Don’t let someone else or the world define what success or winning is to you.
Maya J
How has your mental health had an effect on your everyday life?
My mental health has a big impact on my daily life, as I think it does for most people, which is why I always talk about paying attention to it. We have to ensure that we make conscious efforts to practice healthy activities that can help keep us in a more positive space. For me, I’m already an artist, and we’re such passionate people. With my work specifically, everyday is uncertain and there is a high level of stress in a very fast-paced environment, so it’s easy to forget that you really need to practice calmness. Your mental state will eventually bubble over into other aspects of your life no matter how well you “push through”. Taking care of your mental health doesn’t mean being selfish, flakey, or disloyal to those who count on you. I believe it means things like counting your blessings, trying to see the glass as half-full rather than half-empty, and of course, choosing faith over fear.
It’s a common perception that those who work in the industry “have it easy”. what’s been the biggest challenge for you personally?
I think the biggest challenge for me is actually hearing the opinion some have that people who work in the industry “have it easy”. The industry is just like the real world. Sure, some have it easier than others. But everyone — entertainer or not — has their own path. Everyone in the world has struggles they have to deal with. Truthfully, this industry in particular can be probably one of the most soul-crushing and demoralizing industries you can actually enter, because you are baring your soul with art, and people can flat out hate you when all you want to do is love and be loved. You get so many doors slammed in your face (and many times barely get paid enough for the doors that do open). There is nothing “easy” about this industry. It can be rewarding, but there is a lot of hard work involved, just like other business ventures.
How have you been able to work through it? what advice do you have for those struggling with things like anxiety/depression?
It gets harder than you know sometimes, but my main thing is always perspective. How you view your situation is how it will feel. If you believe that you have nothing, you feel like nothing. If you believe you ARE going to get that job you want or marry that person you love, you have that HOPE inside of you. Hope keeps people going, and if your perspective remains hopeful and positive, you can always feel a little bit brighter. My advice for anyone struggling with anxiety and depression is to make sure you tell someone you trust about your feelings, because bottling it up is never good. You deserve the weight off of your shoulders. You have to know that you are meant to be here, and that you have a purpose to fulfill. It is always okay to ask for help. Also, remember that grey clouds don’t last forever. I hope anyone reading this is okay!