S.A.F.E. on Set is a tribute to the hard working collaborative of ‘lost souls’ that I proudly call the Film & Television industry. Where else can you find such a motley crew of dedicated professionals who are so wonderfully unique… united by nothing else by this crazy business we call home.
I use the term “crazy” with all intention, as I’m sure we look like that to the rest of the world sometimes. It doesn’t take long to see that we all carry with us our own passions, and our own demons. Most hide their inner struggles through tiresome hours, sarcastic quips and disguise it through the work/life mash up we know and love.
In an industry where being 15 minutes early means being late, and where minutes cost thousands, it is remarkable how readily those boundaries burst open in crisis. I have rarely experienced such camaraderie and laser-focused “rescue” response anywhere outside our community when one of our own is in need.
It’s this family quality that causes heartbreak when one of us suffers, particularly due to mental health issues. We pride ourselves on being fierce, fearless and formidable. Yet that assumed persona is somewhat false. More and more I’ve discovered how many of us suffer in silence – battling anxiety and depression.
We selectively reveal ourselves to our teams – due in part to the programmed responses triggered by hierarchy, protocol and politics. The other part is due to the sanctuary of being among other folks who let their work-selves shine, rarely having to expose our soft underbellies. But like a dragon, a fiery attack is often inevitable.
While anxiety and depression manifest differently for all people, there is something that universally can help everyone – breaking stigmas.
After developing my own personal network of anxiety-allies, I saw the positive changes in me, and those around me, simply from talking about it. I found hope in colleagues who couldn’t understand, but wanted to. Knowing I mattered, even with all the pressures and deadlines enveloping us, meant that it was OK for me to not be okay. Not being judged, not being dismissed… it was the crack in the amour I needed to be reassures that I can stay in the business I love, while working on my own wellness.
S.A.F.E. is not a solution, its a catalyst – for each of us to respectfully develop our own ways to cope with anxiety and other mental health issues. It is a safe place to share our stories, our support and our struggles. It is a place to laugh, cry, inspire. It is a place to affect change. Real change.
I hope you will join me as we make all sets a bit more S.A.F.E.
Learn more about S.A.F.E. on Set HERE
It was though our journey that I realized anxiety takes on many forms, and manifests itself in countless ways. I began talking talking about my experiences and soon realized that I am not alone. Moreover, I learned how rampant mental-health issues are in the industry and dove deeper into understanding the ecosystems we live in, and the symbiotic effect they have on our mental health. I was fortunate enough to be introduced with a counselor who helped me identify my triggers, which emotions are reasonable and expected vs. which are manipulated by anxiety. Essentially, learning to cope, while recognizing when things get beyond my control. I learned to ask for help.
S.A.F.E on SET 