Let’s Talk About It


OK, So We Really Need to Talk

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It’s been a topsy-turvy year. From the ongoing health crisis (and its economic impact on the motion picture industry) to the countless social and cultural shifts, many of us have experienced darkness, depression, and a general feeling of blah. It’s no surprise that a mental health pandemic, exasperated by the C-word, could soon sweep the world. 

So why don’t we talk about our issues more?

Because a stigma still exists around mental health, that’s why, and that does not help. But here’s the thing: The more we talk about how we feel, the easier it is for us to get the care we deserve. And there’s no better time to talk than right now — the first day of Mental Health Month 2021. There’s someone out there who will listen. We promise. 

Normalize the Conversation

So, we’re struggling right now. What’s the big deal? Admitting we need help doesn’t make us fools. Or failures. We’d tell our doctor if there was something wrong with our bodies, and the same principle applies to our brains — as frazzled as they are. It’s time to normalize the conversation about mental health so we can lead happier, more fulfilled lives. 

“The state of our world has helped normalize conversations about mental health, with even government officials encouraging people to take care of their mental well-being,” says health management company Medecision. “This universal concern is melting away fears of discrimination, and it’s hopefully creating a lasting platform for change for individuals. 

Talking about our feelings could help other people too:

“Hopefully, it encourages communities and organizations to invest more in mental health.”

So we could change the world by speaking our truths. We’d never thought of it that way before. 

Not Alone

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It’s tough to get some perspective when trapped in a deep dark pit of self-despair. But when we look at what everyone else goes through every day, we realize our reaction to life’s challenges is totally normal. Other people feel like we do. Other people feel blah. 

When we judge our reactions to our challenges, we just make our problems worse. But the more we talk about mental health, the easier it is to feel better. 

It’s Good to Talk

We don’t have to shout our problems to the world. We can call a friend, another veteran, or someone in the industry, visit the doctor, or book a social service consultation at the Will Rogers Motion Picture Pioneers Foundation. We just have to talk to someone. So pick up the phone, load up Zoom, or email someone you trust. And start your conversation with three simple words:

Can we talk?

Before You Go

Sometimes our problems seem small fry compared to what other people are going through. But that’s not the point. They might be relatively minor problems, but they’re our problems. They have as much worth as anyone else’s. We just need to talk about them more.