David Harewood has shared the “simple” measures he takes to look after his mental health.
David Harewood tries to look after his mental health
The ‘Agency’ actor has spoken candidly in the past about suffering psychosis and being sectioned in his younger years, so he ensures he attends regular therapy sessions and doesn’t “overwork” himself in order to “keep the ship on course”.
He told Britain’s HELLO! magazine: “It’s something as simple as making sure I don’t overwork myself, taking breaks, walking the dog every morning.
“I talk to a therapist once a week and that’s a wonderful opportunity for me to check in and make sure I’m continuing to do the work to watch my thoughts and keep the ship on course.”
The 58-year-old star – who has two teenage daughters with wife Kirsty Handy – thinks he is living “proof” of overcoming difficulties to still be successful.
He said: “Having fallen on my face and had a difficult time – having had mental health issues and been sectioned – I think that’s proof that yes, you can fail, have difficult times, but it’s no barrier to your journey.”
David will always be grateful to his teachers at secondary school for suggesting he pursue acting.
He said: “I didn’t really get academia and I certainly had no intention of going to university.
“So I was very fortunate that a teacher called me out of school one day and said, ‘We’re talking in the staff room and we think you should be an actor.’
“That was the start of my journey. I honestly have no idea what would have happened otherwise.”
The ‘Supergirl’ actor previously admitted “negative” comments from trolls on social media “stay” with him, even if he gets far more positive ones.
He told the i newspaper: “You’ve no idea what’s it’s like to open your Twitter feed and be called a c*** or a n***** for days. I’m doing a job with a black actress and the first thing I said to her was, ‘If you get any negative tweets, just delete the entire app. Just get rid of it. You can download it a few weeks later if you want.’
“People feel they have to stay in touch but within an hour of it not being on your phone, you forget about it. The tech companies are not being responsible for what’s on their platforms so you have to take responsibility.
“Everyone’s chemistry is different. I might get 1,000 positive tweets but it’s the one that says, ‘You’re s**t’ that stays with me.’ “