Psychotherapist to Young Hollywood Says The Industry Needs to Take More Responsibility for Protecting Stars' Mental Health

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif., June 5, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Dr. Rebecca Roy, Ph.D. has helped many athletes achieve their dreams of an Olympic gold medal.   She's now helping young Hollywood "Stay Sane in an Insane Industry."  It isn't an easy task. (www.theIndustryTherapist.com).

"The signs of psychological distress in these young artists are often overlooked by those working closest to them," Dr. Roy said.  "They need to at least be aware of the symptoms of mental health problems so they can get them the appropriate help before things spiral out of control." 

As a psychotherapist who works with high-achieving people, Roy said she sees a lot of shame.  "That sense of embarrassment is increased ten-fold if the person is well known.  Who are they going to go to for help and be sure it's confidential?  The pressures are enormous.  Many people's livelihoods depend on these stars. They are young people who haven't developed the coping skills to deal with overwhelming feelings," Dr. Roy said. "They often see no options and choose drugs, alcohol, sex or suicide as a way of ending the pain."

Dr. Roy said most people in the Industry also don't want anyone to know they are depressed or anxious or facing the same kinds of mental health issues everyone else does.   "Even though substance abuse is considered "okay" and even a right of passage for some artists, mental health issues like personality disorders, mood disorders such as bipolar and major depression and abuse are verboten.  No one wants to talk about it or, God forbid, expose it for fear they won't get hired."

That's why Industry people need to be willing to step in and ask talent if they're okay.  "It might feel like an intrusion, but when you are really hurting, just having someone reach out may make all the difference," Dr. Roy said.

She sees the current crop of young Hollywood people with psychological issues as an outgrowth of "too much too soon."  

"It's important to consider their emotional age, not their chronological age.  The two are usually not the same," she said. "These kids are "good soldiers," appearing more functional than they are. They have learned to do what they are told until they break," Dr. Roy said.

Media Contact: Dr. Rebecca Roy, Ph.D.
Website: www.theIndustryTherapist.com
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 310-882-6805
or 818-395-7440 (cell)

SOURCE Dr. Rebecca Roy, Ph.D.