Jon Hamm, the actor best known for his role as Don Draper in AMC’s Mad Men, has been open about the benefits of therapy. In a recent interview, he credited his sister with encouraging him to seek help after expressing concerns about his behavior.
Challenges Faced
Hamm faced several challenges during a tumultuous period in his life:
- He had recently ended a long-term relationship.
- He dealt with pressure and stress related to his career.
- He was involved in a resurfaced fraternity hazing scandal at Washington State University.
- His work schedule was intense, shooting multiple projects back-to-back without breaks.
In 2015, ahead of the final season premiere of Mad Men, Hamm spent 30 days in a rehabilitation center for alcoholism. He stated that seeking help from mental health professionals during this time helped him cope with stress and anxiety.
The Impact of Therapy
Hamm reflected on his experience with therapy, saying, "I learned how to approach things differently." His decision to attend therapy sessions was significant, especially considering his emotional struggles following the death of his father when he was just 10 years old. He admitted, "I didn’t know what I wanted or what I needed" during that time.
It wasn’t until college that he sought help from a mental health professional after experiencing emotional struggles following the sudden death of another family member at the age of 21. With the guidance of his therapist, Hamm learned to approach challenging situations differently by changing his thought process rather than acting out physically or emotionally.
Hamm has continued attending therapy sessions for nearly two decades and credits it for helping him navigate difficult times throughout his life. "I’ve been doing it for almost two decades now," he said. "It’s helped me navigate some really tough times throughout my life."
The Importance of Mental Health Support
Hamm’s experience is not unique. According to data released by The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), more than half (54%) of individuals reported feeling stressed or anxious due to work-related pressures while working remotely during the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, a survey conducted by NAMI found that nearly one-third (31%) felt overwhelmed due to a lack of support while working remotely.
This data highlights the need for increased access to support services, such as counseling and resources available through Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), which can provide confidential counseling services free of charge to employees struggling to manage stress and anxiety related to workplace pressures.
Conclusion
Hamm’s story serves as a reminder of the importance of prioritizing mental well-being and taking proactive steps toward maintaining healthy habits. Everyone experiences challenges in different ways, but having tools and coping mechanisms in place can make all the difference between thriving and struggling through tough times.
Speaking at an event hosted by The Hollywood Reporter, Hamm candidly discussed the benefits of attending regular therapy sessions: "It helps me navigate some really tough times throughout my life. It helps me stay grounded. It helps me stay focused. It keeps me sane. I’m grateful to have access to those resources."
By sharing his journey, Hamm hopes to inspire others to prioritize their own mental health and well-being.
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