Hollywood slowdown takes mental health toll as TV, movie jobs scarce. ‘It wears on me’

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As someone who has gone through the process of finding a mental health practitioner, I can tell you from personal experience that it can be a challenging and confusing journey. However, I also believe that it is a necessary one for maintaining good mental health, especially during periods of transition or uncertainty in our lives.

Last year, as the writers’ and actors’ strikes came to an end in the entertainment industry, I joined countless others in eagerly preparing to get back to work. However, unlike a rocket soaring into the sky, our industry’s production hasn’t picked up at the same pace. The result? A significant lack of job opportunities that has left many of us feeling stalled and mentally drained.

Matthew Cwern, an actor with an active career, has featured in shows like “The Blacklist,” “NCIS: Los Angeles,” and “Dynasty” – he’s personally gone through this situation.

For the record:

3:21 p.m. June 13, 2024An earlier version of this story misspelled the name of actor Matthew Cwern.

In the year 2022, when Cwern reached the 20-year milestone in his acting career, he was content with the consistent roles he kept getting and the thriving side business of assisting actors in recording their audition videos.

The next year, I noticed a gradual decrease in the caliber and regularity of auditions I was being offered for my own parts. This trend continued until I hit a low point. Additionally, I observed a significant reduction in the number of clients I helped prepare for self-taping sessions.

I’ve struggled with depression for much of my existence, but this affliction became even more intense during the strike. Being away from the set where I could create through acting, and for the very first time needing to ask for help to buy essentials like food, added fuel to my melancholic fire.

He found it extremely difficult to acknowledge that despite his extensive background and well-prepared resume, factors beyond his control prevented him from securing a role.

Michael Wetter, a clinical psychologist, pointed out, “Few industries offer the same level of unpredictability as the entertainment industry does.”

In the film and TV industry, rejections are normal and brief spells of joblessness between projects aren’t unusual, according to Wetter. However, he used to believe that there were always chances to seize. Unfortunately, that’s no longer the case.

Amber Haley, a set decorator for shows like “Insecure,” “Barry,” and “Modern Family,” is feeling the pressure of uncertainty. In the past 15 months, she’s only had the opportunity to interview for three productions, unfortunately not securing a role in any of them.

If Haley’s team didn’t have a project to work on, they’ve struggled to make ends meet, and according to The Times, Haley expressed feeling troubled by this. Haley feels a sense of responsibility towards her team, as she wants to secure employment for them to prevent them from losing their homes, cars, and means of income.

Crew members involved in building and illuminating sets, script supervisors, and grips shared with The Times their feelings of despair, as they’ve been unable to work during this period.

For some, the prolonged absence from union-covered jobs brought apprehension about reduced pensions and potential loss of healthcare benefits as they approached retirement age. These individuals have struggled to secure employment in this timeframe and now face the consequence of insufficient work history according to union regulations.

The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, or IATSE, is currently holding talks with the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers (AMPTP) over a fresh agreement. This ongoing negotiation process is contributing to the current production slowdown.

A significant number of individuals are contemplating departing from the industry, while others have already taken that step. For some, the delay in ramping up production and the necessity of maintaining side jobs to get by is pushing them to their limit.

(Myung J. Chun/Los Angeles Times)

How is the instability affecting workers?

If someone is unsure if they’ll be able to achieve what they’ve worked hard for in the past, and now face the possibility of an uncertain future, this can have a profound impact on them. (Wetter)

Paying a toll can lead to emotional symptoms like anxiety and sadness, as well as impact the body with issues such as insomnia, stomach pains, or overeating, according to Jennifer Jorge, the director of community social services at the Motion Picture and Television Fund.

Jorge acknowledged that it’s natural to feel sadness, despair, and be overloaded with emotions, considering the challenges this community has encountered.

“As a professional, I become worried when we discuss the degree of intensity of those matters,” she remarked.

Sadly, people have ended relationships, relapsed from sobriety, fallen ill, or lost their homes due to the pressure of being unemployed and unable to pursue their passions, according to Jorge.

Luckily, assistance is at hand from various sources such as the Motion Picture and Television Fund’s social services and similar industry entities, national hotlines, and county health departments. They can guide you to appropriate local resources when needed.

As a moviegoer reflecting on this thought-provoking film, I’ve come to realize that taking care of my mental wellbeing is an active process. I must be mindful of my emotions and prioritize self-care practices. Furthermore, it’s essential to acknowledge when circumstances become overwhelming and consider seeking professional help. By embracing these strategies, I’m better equipped to face life’s challenges and appreciate the beauty of each moment.

How to cope with these challenges

As a passionate film enthusiast, I believe it’s essential to prioritize my mental well-being just as I value every scene in a movie. Here are some practices mental health professionals suggest we adopt to ensure our emotional health thrives:

I recognize the importance of taking a step back during difficult times for some introspection. Am I maintaining a healthy diet and ensuring that I’m getting enough rest? Is physical activity a part of my daily routine? And do I make time for meaningful connections with loved ones? It wouldn’t hurt to listen carefully if others have shared their worries about me as well.

If you can’t work on your art, try discovering new ways to keep your creative juices flowing. Seek out chances to collaborate with others as well – it’s a great way to expand your network and develop a supportive community.

To be open-minded and adaptable in your pursuit of becoming a film actor, consider asking: “In what inventive ways can I hone my acting craft?” Possible avenues could include participating in theater productions, starting a YouTube channel for acting videos, establishing or joining a performance group, or exploring podcasting opportunities.

Instead of striving for big victories all at once, try achieving smaller successes each day. Set attainable objectives that contribute to better mental health, like taking a brief walk outside or reaching out to a friend. These goals can also benefit your professional growth; for instance, daily calls could expand your industry connections and mentor network.

Based on my own experiences and observations, I strongly believe that there comes a time in everyone’s life when they need more than just self-help to get through challenging times. When feelings of sadness, anxiety, or stress become so overwhelming that they start affecting our most basic abilities, it’s essential to recognize the need for external support.

When considering therapy, it’s important to be truthful about what resources you can dedicate towards your personal well-being. To find mental health services, you can examine your insurance coverage and its list of providers, search for therapists through online directories, or contact your county mental health department for cost-effective alternatives. Be open to exploring various options, but don’t compromise on finding a provider who resonates with you. Ensure a good fit for optimal progress.

Finding the right therapist

Searching through an online directory of therapists: It’s beneficial to know the significance of the licenses displayed. A therapist identified as a psychologist with a PhD is qualified to evaluate and diagnose various mental health conditions such as cognitive problems, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and personality disorders.

As a follower, I’ve come across various therapists with master’s degrees holding distinct licenses: LPC for licensed professional counselors, LMFT for licensed marriage and family therapists, and LCSW for licensed clinical social workers. Each of them openly shares their areas of expertise, such as trauma, anxiety, couples therapy, depression, and cultural identity.

To ensure a therapist in California is licensed and qualified, you can verify their credentials by accessing the California Department of Consumer Affairs’ online database. This resource not only confirms the number of clinical hours the practitioner has accrued but also discloses any past disciplinary actions such as license suspensions or reprimands.

It may require some exploration to discover a mentally qualified expert whose approach aligns with your requirements. Feel free to try out several therapists through initial sessions to find the right match.

According to Wetter, acknowledging the difficulties faced by workers during the entertainment industry’s transformation is important rather than downplaying it.

Instead of viewing it as an end, he would describe it as a phase of change. Essentially, people will continue to require the services of the entertainment industry.

Based on my own experiences with mental and creative struggles, I wholeheartedly agree with Wetter’s words. When we feel hopeless or discouraged, it can be tempting to give up on our dreams and succumb to despair. However, it’s during these challenging times that self-care becomes especially important.

Mental Health Resources

Online and telephone-accessible mental health services at the national and state levels are as follows:
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Mental health resources that can be reached online or via phone call, available on a national and state level, include the following:

  • The Motion Picture and Television Fund offers assistance in vetting mental health resources for you or a family member. It also provides information on how to access state and federal benefits. For adults under 65 years old, call the intake line at (323) 634-3888. Adults over 65 can call (323) 634-3866.
  • The Will Rogers Motion Picture Pioneers Foundation provides financial aid and supportive counseling to people who work for theatrical exhibition and distribution companies and their vendors. To learn more and request an application for financial aid, call (877) 756-9455, Ext. 2390 or fill out the online contact form.
  • The SAG-AFTRA Foundation provides emergency financial assistance and disaster relief to eligible members. The foundation is receiving an extremely high volume of emergency aid applications and asks that you read all eligibility requirements before applying online. If you have questions, reach out to assistance@sagaftra.foundation.
  • The Entertainment Community Fund, formerly the Actors Fund, offers a variety of social service programs, including counseling, support groups and emergency financial assistance. To view the offerings, create an account on the fund’s website.
  • For Los Angeles County area-specific assistance, visit the county’s Department of Mental Health website. For immediate resources and support, call the county’s 24/7 helpline at (800) 854-7771.
  • The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline offers around-the-clock access to trained crisis workers at your local 988 Lifeline network crisis center. It’s accessible across the U.S. through a three-digital dialing code, 988.
  • SAMHSA’s National Helpline treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) is for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders. The 24/7 call center can be accessed by dialing (800) 662-4357.
  • The California Peer-Run Warm Line is a nonemergency resource available 24/7 to anyone in California seeking mental and emotional support. By calling (855) 845-7415, you can talk about concerns or challenges with interpersonal relationships, anxiety, pain, depression, finances or alcohol and drug use.

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2024-07-18 22:20