EMOTIONAL WELL BEING IS A PRIORITY!
This topic has become more common these days some would say, but I believe it is because there are many wonderful people out there that have created platforms and safe spaces to be able to voice it out loud. Some people like to sweep it under the rug and roll their eyes about mental health but guess what, it’s a part of who we are and it’s time we acknowledge the power it can have over us if we don’t know how to navigate it for ourselves.
Every individual has their own personal battles and some feel strong enough to share what they may be going through and others aren’t quite ready, and that’s ok too. We should be talking about it more often than not, as it can be soul destroying no matter what your status is in this performing arts industry.
Growing up we condition ourselves to take on the hardest blows to our ego, and we pick ourselves up each time and move onto the next within an instant. Although we may have mastered that, underneath the brave face we show are those negative thoughts feeding our brain. Am I good enough? What’s wrong with me? Why did they say that to me? I’m not as good as that person, I’m not worthy, and the list goes on. This is us constantly analysing everything over and over again and these feelings can lead into darkness.
If we think about how many years we didn’t prioritise ourselves and take that time to process the feeling of what it is that may trigger such emotion, we probably would have made many more healthier choices to deal with the let down. Imagine how at ease we would feel moving forward knowing that we are still an incredible being for just being who we are.
Having the knowledge and tools that I have learnt over a period of time, has been a wonderful guide and I only wish I knew back then how to better navigate the wounds. I’m sure I speak on behalf of many of us in the industry that have experienced the same thing.
I can remember being on a contract overseas and I received some really devastating news that day that took me to a terrible place within and I desperately tried to hold back the tears because I had two shows to perform. While I was waiting in the wings to go on stage, one of my friends from the cast was about to go on, and he just looked at me knowing how much I was hurting. That’s all it took and my emotions unleashed! There I was, full stage make - up and all the glitz and glam with tears streaming down my face and then bam, out I go under the bright lights to start the show. Our job was to entertain, and to not allow our personal battles play out on the outside. It’s a part of the criteria of course, because if we all were able to say no I am not going on stage tonight, then we would never have a show or we would never have a full cast as we move through the week. Meanwhile my friend kept trying to make me laugh and smile while singing to me on stage that night, and it was nice to have the support I had on and off the stage. I know I am not alone sharing one of many of my own stories, and I know so many of you would relate to this and share your own experiences too.
My point about all this though, is that it should be our normal by now to be able to share with each other and feel the support we need in that very moment and for it to be understood without judgement.
Your feelings are valid, and asking for help does not make you weak.
I highly recommend you visit my Instagram page @uncensoredandreal to watch the in depth live video interview I had with a very good friend of mine William Centurion. He has gone from being a performer to now counselling performing artists. He is a fantastic counsellor and I’m honoured to call him a friend. Take a look as he gives so much insight on how to deal with our mental health and the importance of it.
