Jonah Hill on stepping back from public events after "nearly 20 years of anxiety attacks"
Jonah Hill has revealed he'll no longer be promoting his movies as a result of the impact doing so has on his mental health.
Previously, in a now-deleted Instagram post, the actor opened up about how "childhood insecurities" had been "exacerbated by years of public mockery about my body by press and interviewers." Now, the 38-year-old revealed that he's had enough.
Talking to Deadline about the upcoming release of his documentary – in which he "explores mental health with his therapist" – Hill said: "Through this journey of self-discovery within the film, I have come to the understanding that I have spent nearly 20 years experiencing anxiety attacks, which are exacerbated by media appearances and public facing events."
Hill went on to say that he's "so grateful" the film will make its world premiere "at a prestigious film festival this fall" adding that he "can’t wait to share it with audiences around the world in the hope that it will help those struggling."
But, he continued, "you won’t see me out there promoting this film, or any of my upcoming films, while I take this important step to protect myself. If I made myself sicker by going out there and promoting it, I wouldn’t be acting true to myself or to the film."
Admitting that he would "usually cringe" at statements like this, he pointed out that he is "of the privileged few who can afford to take time off" and won't lose his job "while working on" his anxiety.
He ended his open letter by telling fans that he hopes to "make it more normal for people to talk and act on this stuff, so they can take steps towards feeling better and so that the people in their lives might understand their issues more clearly."
Well done to Hill for opening up and helping to break down the stigma attached to mental health. We hope he is getting the ongoing support he needs and that his openness may helps others who are struggling and in need of help.
Remember, if your mental health is impacting your day-to-day life, speak to your GP as soon as possible as they can advise on what to do next.
For information, support and advice about mental health and where to get support, visit Mind’s website at www.mind.org.uk or call Mind’s Infoline on 0300 123 3393 (Monday to Friday, 9.00am to 6.00pm).
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