Linda Hamilton discusses her personal battle with mental health issues
In a heartfelt appeal, actress Linda Hamilton, best known for her iconic role in the Terminator series, has shared her insights on managing bipolar disorder and depression. Hamilton, who openly discusses her own struggles with these conditions, encourages those facing similar challenges not to give up on themselves.
Hamilton, who jokes about being a "hot mess" for the first 40 years of her life, stresses that a bad day doesn't mean one's behaviour or actions have to be bad. She finds balance and steadiness in her day-to-day life by investing in persistent self-care and seeking help.
The actress, who has undergone over 20 years of therapy, highlights the importance of recognising warning signs of bad days and applying mental "brakes" or safeguards learned through therapy to manage behaviour and choices effectively. She advises questioning immediate urges to prevent regrettable actions.
Hamilton also emphasises the value of shifting focus away from oneself to helping others and engaging in positive, esteem-building activities. Small acts like making people laugh or caring for pets contribute to her ongoing mental well-being.
After finding balance, Hamilton made a personal commitment to prioritise others over herself. She finds happiness in her everyday life, whether it's helping people, making her home beautiful, or loving her dogs.
Hamilton's advice underscores the importance of persistence in seeking help, investing in therapy, recognising and managing symptoms, and building self-esteem through service to others as crucial strategies for living well with bipolar disorder and depression.
As she prepares to star in the upcoming film Osiris, Hamilton continues to be an inspiration, demonstrating resilience and hope in the face of mental health challenges. Her key message is to keep looking until you find your way through it.
Science and health-and-wellness go hand in hand for Hamilton as she emphasizes the significance of therapy in managing her mental health. Through persistent self-care, recognizing warning signs, applying learned coping mechanisms, and focusing on helping others, Hamilton finds that there's a way to live well with bipolar disorder and depression, reinforcing her message to keep looking until you find your way through it.
