Michael B. Jordan sought therapy to decompress after portraying the villain Erik Killmonger in the 2018 film "Black Panther," he revealed in a recent interview with CBS Sunday Morning. Jordan stated that the role "kind of stuck with me for a bit" and that he "went to therapy, talked about it, found a way to kind of just decompress." He added that he was still learning the importance of decompressing from a character at that point in his career.
Jordan described acting as a "solo journey," emphasizing the solitary nature of auditioning, practicing, and preparing for roles. He highlighted the extensive preparation and emotional investment required for each character, leading to his realization that he needed strategies for detaching from those roles after filming.
The use of therapy by actors to process challenging roles is becoming increasingly common. The emotional demands of portraying complex characters, particularly those with traumatic or violent backgrounds, can take a toll on an actor's mental health. Therapists can provide tools and techniques for managing the emotional residue of these roles and maintaining psychological well-being. This practice reflects a growing awareness of the importance of mental health within the entertainment industry.
The entertainment industry is increasingly recognizing the importance of mental health support for performers. The intense pressures of fame, combined with the emotional demands of acting, can create unique challenges for actors. The willingness of high-profile actors like Jordan to speak openly about seeking therapy helps to destigmatize mental health treatment and encourages others to prioritize their well-being.
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