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.
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