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 above any career move. Where actors can attend to their whole selves - and prioritize that over any acting career move. 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 PTSD, depression, 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 on top of that - with the competitive nature of our industry - I become filled with shame when I am unable to show up for my acting career on these days. 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 and foremost 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. Amy Poehler in her book “Yes Please” wisely advises to “Treat your acting career like a bad boyfriend”. And I find this helps us let go of the pressure to seek validation from acting.
Before building an acting career - it is incredibly beneficial to establish a wide range of resources that ground us - that remind us that we have an identity beyond 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. Often, it takes a lifetime, especially if mental illness creates a narrative that tells you you’re broken. This is where therapy can be invaluable. A trained professional can help you discern which thoughts to embrace and which to challenge, guiding you toward self-reflection without judgment.
TAKE YOUR TIME
It’s perfectly okay to take time to center yourself before diving into your acting endeavors. The exhaustive list of actor resources—resumes, classes, headshots, reels—can feel overwhelming. Industry professionals may suggest you need this class, or that agent, or new headshots, which can be paralyzingly daunting. But it is 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 unique. Each of us brings different circumstances to our careers, 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 at all 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, turn towards training.
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 and ambition 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 feelings of obligation can hinder our pursuit as actors. ’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 an actor. 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 curisoty 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 your 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.
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