Mark Duplass Opens Up About His 'Exhausting' Depression Journey

DEPRESSION, ANXIETY, AND THE PRICE OF SUCCESS: MARK DUPLASS OPENS UP ABOUT HIS MENTAL HEALTH STRUGGLES

In a candid and refreshingly honest interview with Page Six last week, Mark Duplass, star of Apple TV+ hit drama The Morning Show, shed light on the exhausting regimen he follows to manage his long-standing battle with depression. The 48-year-old New Orleans-born actor first made headlines in 2023 when he shared a picture of himself grinning from ear to ear alongside a heartfelt message about his lifelong struggle with anxiety and depression.

But what struck a chord with fans was not just the picture itself, but the underlying message Duplass conveyed: "When I see pictures of myself like this one, I can see the fear and sadness behind the smile." The Oscar-nominated actor's words were a poignant reminder that even in our most seemingly carefree moments, we may be hiding a secret struggle.

Duplass has been open about his mental health journey, using social media as a platform to raise awareness about the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. With over 657K followers hanging on his every post, he's become a beacon of hope for those struggling with similar issues. And it's clear that his efforts have paid off: by sharing his experiences and struggles, Duplass has single-handedly sparked a much-needed conversation about mental health in the entertainment industry.

When asked about how he manages to keep going despite the constant struggle, Duplass revealed that regular exercise, healthy diet, therapy, meditation, sleep, journaling, and medication are all essential components of his daily routine. "It's a very fundamental critical part of my system," he emphasized. For someone who has been living with depression and anxiety for most of their life, it's clear that Duplass has found a delicate balance between self-care and the demands of his busy schedule.

But what's perhaps most surprising is that Duplass wouldn't trade his condition – despite the challenges it poses. "My depression and anxiety are directly tied to my creativity and the way that my brain works," he explained. This might come as a shock to fans who have seen him bring some of his most iconic characters to life on screen, but it's clear that Duplass views his mental health struggles as an integral part of his artistic process.

As a father of two teenage daughters – Ora and Molly, both from his 18-year marriage to actress Katie Aselton – Duplass is keenly aware of the impact his own experiences have had on his family. "It's exhausting sometimes," he admitted. "But what choice do I have?" This willingness to confront the darkness head-on is a testament to his commitment to prioritizing his mental health, and it's something that resonates deeply with fans who are struggling to cope with their own demons.

Of course, Duplass's openness about his struggles comes at a pivotal moment in his career. The fourth season of The Morning Show, on which he serves as executive producer, is set to premiere on September 17, offering a glimpse into the lives of UBA co-hosts Bradley Jackson and Alex Levy – played by Reese Witherspoon and Jennifer Aniston, respectively. While we can't wait to see what's in store for these beloved characters, it's clear that Duplass's journey has given him a newfound appreciation for the complexities of mental health.

As he looks to the future, one thing is certain: Mark Duplass will continue to be an outspoken advocate for mental health awareness – and we couldn't be more grateful. So, the next time you see him grinning from ear to ear on your social media feed, remember that even in his happiest moments, there may be a deeper struggle going on beneath the surface.

Sources:

• Page Six
• The Scholarly Note (thescholarlynote.com)