Paul Gilmartin

Mental Illness Happy Hour

Paul Gilmartin

  • #295 Mara Wilson

#295 Mara Wilson

Friday 16th September 2016

Mara Wilson discusses her journey from child star to mental health advocate, touching on grief, OCD, anxiety, and the healing power of writing.
Explicit
153 minutes
Inspiring
Empowering
Informative
Hopeful
Compassionate

About this podcast

Mental Illness Happy Hour
Author:
Paul Gilmartin
Overview:
Categories:
Body & Mind
Sobriety Toolkit
Healing from Sexual Trauma
Healing Relationships
Financial Health in Recovery
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Mara Wilson: From Childhood Fame to Mental Health Advocacy

I didn't realize that it hurt them to see me in pain too, and I think that that changed the way that I looked back on my relationship with my parents and my family and how frustrated and sad they could get, and it made me realize like: oh, this is this is, you know, if I did commit suicide, it would hurt people.
Remember Mara Wilson from 'Matilda' and 'Mrs. Doubtfire'? This episode of 'Mental Illness Happy Hour' peels back the layers of her life beyond the silver screen. Host Paul Gilmartin sits down with Mara to discuss the profound impact of losing her mother during her early years in Hollywood. This tragic event led to struggles with OCD, anxiety, depression, and panic attacks. Today, Mara is not just a former child star; she's a passionate mental health advocate.
Mara opens up about her journey through grief counseling and how it helped her navigate the turbulent waters of loss. She dives into the science of epigenetics, exploring how our environment shapes our mental health. Her candid discussion touches on her battles with self-preservation and suicidal thoughts, shedding light on the often-hidden struggles behind her public persona.
Writing has been a powerful tool for Mara's healing, and she shares how the creative process offered her an escape and a means to voice her experiences. The episode also delves into the fantasy of being 'broken' and how this perception affects mental health. Family and relationships play a crucial role in Mara's story, highlighting the importance of a support system in overcoming mental health challenges.
If you're looking for an honest and heartfelt conversation about mental health, this episode is a must-listen. Mara's story is not just about overcoming adversity but also about finding strength in vulnerability and advocating for mental health awareness.