PURSUING ACTING WHILE MANAGING MENTAL ILLNESS

Deep breaths dear actor.

If you know anything about me - beyond my life as an actor and coach - you know I live with mental illness. In many ways, this inspired creating The WholeHearted Actor, a community where actors can embrace their full humanity while prioritizing their well-being over their acting career. We deserve to bring our whole selves to our work. We are allowed to show up as we are, for who we are and where we are on our journey.

As someone who struggles with CPTSD, depression, and anxiety, I understand the challenges of battling intrusive thoughts, negative mindsets, and imposter syndrome while pursuing an acting career. I know that connecting with my spark and my joy in my work as an actor can be particularly difficult when I am facing a depressive episode. And with the competitive nature of our industry, I become filled with shame when I am unable to show up for my acting career due to my mental illness. So I'd like to take this moment - human to human - to unpack some of the tools I use to navigate both my life as a human with mental illness - and my acting career.

RESOURCES BEYOND ACTING

First, it's crucial to have resources outside of acting to support our mental and physical health—such as therapy, medication, and a strong support system, as well as hobbies and loved ones who enrich our lives.

This industry can be brutal- so the less we rely on it to provide validation the better. In her book “Yes Please” , Amy Poehler wisely advises to “Treat your acting career like a bad boyfriend”. And I love that concept. That we can choose to stop looking for our acting career to show up for us - or make our lives better.

As we build our acting careers, it is incredibly beneficial to establish a wide range of resources that ground us - that remind us that we have an identity outside of who we are as actors.

My hope for anyone grappling with mental illness is that you cultivate a mindset that affirms YOU ARE ENOUGH—regardless of your age, circumstances, experience, or booking outcomes. I realize this is easier said than done. It takes a lifetime to build our sense of self worth, especially when mental illness creates negative narratives. This is where therapy can be invaluable. A trained professional can help you discern which thoughts to embrace and which to challenge. Licensed social workers (those with MSW) can guide you toward self-reflection without judgment.

TAKE YOUR TIME

It’s okay to take some time to center yourself before investing into your acting career. The exhaustive list of actor demands—auditions, classes, submissions, headshots, reels—can feel overwhelming. Industry professionals may recommend that you be enrolled in class and saying yes to every audition but that can be paralyzingly daunting when you are experiencing a flare up.  It's helpful to remember that no actor accomplished everything in one day. It takes years to cultivate our craft and build our materials.

Every actor's journey is different. Each of us navigate different circumstances, and much of the industry is beyond our control. That is why it’s essential to let go of comparison. No one person's journey will look the same as another’s. Grant yourself grace and compassion. You wouldn’t scold a baby learning to walk, so approach your own acting journey with that same level of gentleness. You are learning. It’s okay to stumble and to take your time—one day at a time.

FOCUS ON YOUR WELL BEING

If you find your mental illness particularly debilitating, you don’t need to focus on acting right now. You do NOT need an agent, a resume, fancy headshots, or a demo reel.  Instead, center your heart and mind on your own enoughness, and when you’re ready, your acting career will still be there.

Being in a room full of actors can foster community and help you remember you’re not alone in this challenging career. Whether through classes, theater, or workshops, immerse yourself in spaces with storytellers. Find your people. It’s not only beneficial for your mental health but can also reignite your passion to become the best actor you can be.

REKINDLE YOUR INSPIRATION

Additionally, there are many low-stakes activities that can help reconnect you with your spark.

Consume art—watch theater, TV, films, read books—allow your curiosity to guide you. The feeling of obligation can hinder our work as actors. I’m a Taurus- I am stubborn as hell- so if someone tells me I HAVE to do something, my neurodivergent brain wants to dig my heels and resist it. If someone insists that you HAVE to do something, that can often make your acting career feel like a chore. Try to let go of the "shoulds" in your acting career - and find ways to keep the joy alive.

Focus on what inspires you and feeds your heart as a creative. Chase your curiosity and wonderment. Find the things that excite you about acting. Watch what you want, check out some plays at the library - it doesn't matter what it is - so long as it is inspiring to you and feeding your actor heart.

If you approach your acting career from a place of curiosity it becomes impossible to “fail” Some days, your mental and physical capacity may vary, and that’s perfectly okay. Those of us living with chronic illness know that our abilities can shift day by day. Listen to your body, and do what you can.

My hope for you dear is that you stay patient. That you grant yourself grace. That you find a way to attend to your needs as a human first. And when you are ready - let your spark guide your acting career.

Should you wish to dive into more inspirational and motivational tools, download The Inspiration Packet for The WholeHearted Actor.