Mental health studies have been an essential factor for the betterment of humanity dating back to the 1940s. So many professionals have made a big strive to help those with mental health problems. One of the helpful components is Mental Health Awareness Month – which is the month of May.
The goal of this initiative is to spread information to those in need of help with depression, generalized anxiety disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), substance abuse, suicidal ideation, and schizophrenia. The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) states that 1 in 5 adults experience mental illness and 1 in 20 U.S adults experience serious mental illness. Additionally, the study facts continue that 17% of youth (6-17years) experience a form of mental health disorder.
Stress and anxiety are every day in the entertainment industry and many other professions. Combined with the regular stressors of personal life, mental health issues can make actors, writers, directors, and others in the filmmaking business feel overwhelmed. As a result, some of those in entertainment become on the receiving end of a high burnout rate because of the demands from long work hours, tight deadlines, the competitive business, and toxic elements present in Hollywood.
Fortunately, there are plenty of techniques and services willing to help those looking for aid. These methods and raising mental health awareness can help people understand their symptoms, find professional treatment, and perhaps break the mental health stigma.
Breathing Method
Everyone speaks of the pressures, stress, and anxiety about unrealistic and pressing deadlines that could cause damaging psychosocial effects. The Breathing Method is a viable way to help relieve some of that pressure and stress. Deep breathing boosts oxygen to your brain and stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system. In addition, several techniques promote a state of calmness and allow the person to better cope with high-intense situations.
Some of these are lengthening your exhales, breathing from your diaphragm, and breathing focus—which can reduce anxiety. A helpful way to allow a person to take the time needed to maximize this effort to its full effect is one of the most straightforward techniques on this list.
Take A Break
Today’s entertainment workforce consists of those trying their hardest to complete their task speedily. However, high workflow and intense concentration on said work can sometimes cause the time to go by faster than expected. Therefore, it is best to remember that taking a break is within your right and is highly recommended.
Take a deep breath and remove yourself for a few minutes to get your mind off the issues. Taking a walk, listening to relaxing music, reading a book, or sitting in a quiet place can help. This method can allow a person to get a fresh perspective and even deal with anxieties that might peak their ugly head. Taking a break will also open an opportunity for another stress-relieving task.
Breaking Up Your Work
Studies have found that the sight of clutter can cause increased stress. In addition, when facing a current or upcoming production task, it can cause a person to feel overwhelmed with anxiety. Dividing the task into smaller steps and then completing each of the smaller tasks one at a time can make the job less stressful. This method can help create a priority list at the beginning of the production workweek by preparing tasks and rating them according to importance.
Breaking up your work can have many positive effects on your life and bring in more time for practicing meditation.
Meditation
Mediation has been standard practice in many cultures, and use has only grown among adults and some children. However, Harvard Health Publishing published an article in 2021 that puts some validity to the benefits of meditating. The report titled, How Meditation Helps with Depression, points out, “The aim of meditation is not to push aside stress or block out negative thinking, but rather to notice those thoughts and feelings while understanding that you don’t have to act on them.”
Meditation teaches people to pay attention to thoughts and feelings without passing judgment or criticizing them. It doesn’t push away these thoughts or pretends they don’t exist. Instead, the practice helps focus, accept and let go of these concerning thoughts so that the mind can be more at peace. Making it a daily routine and committing five minutes can go a long way and help start your day positively.
Positivity
As ridiculous as the word sounds nowadays, positivity still goes far. Starting the day with an uplifting ritual can lead the day to start on the right foot. The pattern can make a person focus on the good things that may come from the day or even the proverbial silver lining—if it’s not immediately apparent.
Another form of positivity that works is keeping a notebook of positive statements. These statements—from any source your deemed fit—can have an overarching positive and lasting effect. A gratitude notebook can fulfill these needs by jotting down all the things you’re grateful for and can improve optimism and sense of well-being. Even the people around can enhance positivity in a person’s life.
Being around positive people—like friends and loved ones—has improved self-esteem and increased your chances of reaching goals. And helps a person see the bright side of many matters. Even vocalizing by practicing positive self-talk can help elevate confidence and regulate your feelings, thoughts, and behavior under stress.
Let’s not forget that groups are willing to help in a person’s time of need.
Resources
There are many resources—like NAMI—out there with people who understand the levels of stress, anxiety, and depression. But unfortunately, individuals working in the entertainment industry are more likely to struggle with mental health problems. Groups like Behind the Scenes is a nonprofit organization that supports entertainment professionals. In addition, the foundation created the Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Initiative to aid those in the entertainment industry and encourage mental health safety measures.
Another group that’s hard at work in helping those with mental health issues is Entertainment Community Fund. Formerly known as The Actors Fund, the association offers short-term supportive counseling, referrals, support groups, and education and information to understand your mental health insurance.
Revolution Business Services Employee Benefits Program – Mental Health Help 24/7
If you are enrolled with Revolution Business Services Employee Benefits Program, you also have access to Teladoc’s platform and national network of doctors through Blue Shield, whenever you need care, 24/7/365, by phone or video. Licensed therapists, psychiatrists and mental health professionals are here to help you manage addiction, depression, stress or anxiety, domestic abuse, grief and more.
Conclusion
Learning to take it one day at a time is key to dealing with mental health issues in the entertainment business and everyday life. The goal of Mental Health Awareness month is to foster the importance of bringing attention to this topic, understanding it, and helping those in need. It’s not about eradicating these feelings but more about managing them.
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