Anxiety Runs Rampant on Set — Here’s How Hollywood Fights It
By Movieguide® Contributor
On the heels of COVID, last summer’s dual strikes and an overall contraction in the entertainment industry, many in Hollywood are facing less job security than ever, and even those who land roles feel immense pressure and anxiety from being on set.
To combat these difficult mental obstacles, productions are adding more on-set therapists.
Because every major studio other than Netflix is facing an existential threat from streaming, projects produced today are under increased pressure to generate a hit to help keep their parent company afloat. This pressure is magnified by the fact that fewer and fewer projects are being greenlit. A recent industry report found that, aside from Peacock, every streamer pushed out less original content in Q2 2024 than during the same time period last year.
Furthermore, no production is safe as even popular shows can get canned if the studio feels their costs outweigh their value. Look no further than BLUE BLOODS, which is ending this fall despite its ranking as one of CBS’ top shows.
With this pressure weighing on actors’ shoulders, it’s no wonder they face anxiety while on set. Nonetheless, the inclusion of an on-set therapist can work wonders to help them refocus on the task at hand.
“We kind of think of ourselves as, if the production is the world, we’re kind of the satellite that’s going around,” explained therapist Noelle Adames. “So [cast and crew] have the ability to reach out to us on email or phone confidentially and say, ‘Can I have a session with you?’”
Amidst a contraction in the industry, some may dismiss on-set therapists as an unnecessary cost. In reality, though, their inclusion can save money as better-performing actors help keep productions on schedule and lower the chance of costly reshoot days.
“I would just keep in mind that creative people are giving of themselves when they come on set, and people [are] able to give the best that they can do when they feel like they are held by something,” Adames said. “Wellbeing is not there to get in the way of the process. We are there just to help people be able to reach their full potential.”
“Not comparing yourself to others, not getting on social media and looking at what everybody else is doing – keeping the focus on yourself, on what you need,” Adames added, explaining what can help the most. “Make sure that you are getting enough rest, staying hydrated, surrounding yourself with positive things to lift you up – taking care of your body, taking care of your mind.”
Movieguide® previously reported on therapy:
Christian rapper KB explained how he gets personal with his newest album “His Glory Alone 2” and why he felt that level of vulnerability was necessary.
“I think men have been socialized to not be in touch with their emotions. I think a part of the socialization in our country is, you know, from misogyny to toxic masculinity, all of those buzzwords are all intersected into a man’s experience in this land,” KB told Relevant Magazine.
“That is an issue of mental health. It’s a crisis that we have to be serious about approaching,” he continued. “Men especially, we have to be serious about our mental health. I appreciate men who we see traditionaly as strong, athletes or fighters or leaders, who are publicly saying, ‘Hey, the most courageous thing that I’ve done all year is that I look my wife in the face and said, ‘I need help.’ That’s courage. That’s manliness. That is strength.”
When it comes to KB, he is not only using his platform to share this message but is weaving it into his music. His new album “His Glory Alone 2” dives into the struggles that he has faced in the past.
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