BAFTA-winning actress Suranne Jones discusses her new TV show I Am Victoria, which explores anxieties and pressures. She opens up about her struggles with grief and mental health, the importance of doing inner work, the pressure to meet society's expectations, coping mechanisms, and finding authenticity and self-acceptance.
Suranne Jones discusses her own struggles with mental health and the importance of self-awareness and finding a balance between work and personal boundaries.
Suranne emphasizes the need for open conversations, acceptance of diverse experiences, and accessible mental health resources.
The show 'I Am Victoria' serves as a love letter to mental health, exploring the pressures of modern life, the fear of not being good enough, and the importance of self-acceptance.
Deep dives
Exploring the Power of Personal Resonance
In this episode, BAFTA-winning actress Saran Jones discusses her new TV show, I Am Victoria, and how it serves as a powerful meditation on the anxieties people face. The show's improvised dialogue holds a deep personal resonance for Saran, as she explores her own life and the character of Victoria. By delving into the pressures of modern life and the hidden struggles beneath success and happiness, the show serves as a love letter to mental health.
The Importance of Self-Exploration and Acceptance
Saran opens up about her own struggles with mental health, including experiencing a breakdown after losing her mother and working back-to-back on intense acting projects. She discusses the fear of being judged and the pressure to constantly prove oneself. Saran acknowledges the importance of self-awareness and finding a balance between work and personal boundaries.
The Problematic Perceptions of Mental Health
Saran highlights the stigma associated with medication and mental health, emphasizing the need for open conversations and acceptance of diverse experiences. She shares her own experience with medication and therapy, highlighting the importance of finding the help that works for each individual. Saran also addresses the challenges faced by individuals seeking mental health support, particularly in terms of affordability and access to resources.
Recognizing Fear and Letting Go of Control
The episode explores the theme of control and fear, as seen through the character of Victoria and reflected in Saran's own life. Saran discusses the fear of not being good enough and the pressure to constantly strive for perfection. She recognizes the importance of self-acceptance and the need to let go of unrealistic expectations. Saran shares her journey towards finding a healthy balance in life and learning to prioritize her own well-being.
The Power of Representation and Compassion
Saran discusses the importance of representation in media and the impact it can have on individuals struggling with mental health. She emphasizes the need for compassion and understanding, breaking down the barrier of judgment and stigma. Saran also acknowledges the ongoing conversation around mental health and the need for affordable and accessible resources to support mental well-being in society.
Many of us are guilty of refusing to stop, of continuing to distract ourselves while anxieties build beneath the surface. This is something BAFTA-winning actress Suranne Jones tackles in her new TV show I Am Victoria. In this chat with Fearne, Suranne talks about the grief of losing her mum shortly after having a baby, and why she wanted to draw on her own experience of managing her mental health to create character Victoria.