Tom Holland revealed he is taking a year off from acting to look after his mental health, after having a “tough time” while working on his latest project, The Crowded Room.
In the series, Holland plays a character loosely inspired by infamous campus rapist Billy Milligan — a man who famously claimed to have 24 distinct personalities after being arrested in 1979 — who became the first person to be acquitted on the grounds of dissociative identity disorder. While promoting the Apple TV+ thriller series — which he also produced — the actor told extratv that he had been juggling responsibilities. “It was a tough time, for sure. We were exploring certain emotions that I have definitely never experienced before. And then on top of that, being a producer, dealing with the day-to-day problems that come with any film set, just added that extra level of pressure,” he said.
The 26-year-old actor has been frequently vocal about his mental health – he announced a break from social media in 2022 as well. Recently, mental health has become a prominent topic of discussion, helping to reduce the stigma surrounding seeking support and care as more people open up about their problems. Celebrities have played a significant role in this shift, using their influence to raise awareness and share their personal struggles. Famous personalities like Lewis Capaldi, Naomi Osaka and Simone Biles also recently announced that they would take mental health breaks from their profession.
Unfortunately, like many other celebrities who were vocal about mental health, Holland received criticism over his decision. Many argue that the actor’s ability to take a mental health break is a privilege that most people do not have. The truth is, those who criticized Holland and the others for their statements, would jump at the chance of a mental health break if they could afford it. It is important to avoid undermining the significance of prioritizing mental health. Instead, we should work towards breaking down barriers and creating an inclusive society where everyone has the opportunity to take care of their mental well-being. Tom Holland’s decision to take a mental health break serves as a reminder that mental health struggles can impact anyone, regardless of their external success or privilege.
