Welcome back to the Dunwoody Dialogues!
In this impactful episode of Dunwoody Dialogues, we sat down with Tara Nichols, Licensed Professional Counselor and founder of The Nichols Center @NicholsCenter and Lishers Mahone, an experienced entertainment professional and mental health coach with Onset Mental Health. Together, they dive deep into the mental health challenges within the film industry and discuss innovative ways to foster a supportive environment for production teams and creatives alike.
Tara shares the emotional story behind the founding of The Nichols Center, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting families affected by mental health and substance use disorders. Motivated by the tragic loss of her brother-in-law to an overdose, Tara has become a champion of proactive mental health care and trauma support. Through her work with Onset Mental Health, she brings clinical resources, trauma-informed care, and wellness workshops to the film industry, ensuring mental health is prioritized on set.
Lishers, with over 16 years in the entertainment and production sector, offers a unique insider perspective on the intense pressures that film professionals face. He highlights the pervasive mental health struggles in the industry, from addiction to burnout, and stresses the need for a cultural shift. Lishers discusses the Take Eight Minutes campaign, which encourages people on set to check in with each other, listen, and take small but significant actions to prevent mental health crises.
The conversation touches on how studios can build healthier, more supportive environments where mental health is not just an afterthought but an integral part of the culture. By implementing these strategies, the entertainment industry can reduce the prevalence of mental illness, substance abuse, and burnout, while improving overall well-being and productivity.
Throughout the episode, Tara and Lishers discuss essential topics, including the critical role of community-integrated mental health services, the importance of creating access points for mental health support in high-stress environments, and practical steps studios can take to foster a culture of wellness. They also explore the alarming statistic that 55% of film industry professionals have contemplated suicide and stress the urgent need for proactive mental health care.
For immediate help, dial 988, the Georgia Crisis Line, offering support and resources for mental health crises.
To learn more about Onset Mental Health and The Nichols Center, explore the following resources:
The Nichols Center Website: www.nicholscenter.org/
Onset Mental Health Services: www.nicholscenter.org/wellness/onset
Facebook: NicholsCenterHelpingFamiliesHeal
Instagram: nicholscenter
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/nicholscenter-recovery/
X: x.com/nicholscenter
Watch this episode to gain valuable insights into how mental health support can transform the film industry and how small, proactive steps can make a big difference in the lives of those working in entertainment.
Whether you're in the film industry or simply passionate about mental health advocacy, this conversation will inspire you to think differently about how we approach mental wellness in high-pressure environments. Don’t miss this essential episode of Dunwoody Dialogues.
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#MentalHealthAdvocacy #FilmIndustry
#ProactiveMentalHealth #NicholsCenter #FilmProduction #overdoseawareness #film #georgia #MentalWellness #EntertainmentWellness #SubstanceAbuseRecovery