Prioritizing Mental Health in the Film Industry: Insights from The Nichols Center
The entertainment industry is often synonymous with creativity and excitement, but behind the scenes, many professionals struggle with immense stress, long hours, and mental health challenges.
In a recent episode of Dunwoody Dialogues, host Mark Galvin sat down with Tara Nichols, founder of The Nichols Center, and Lishers Mahone, a mental health coach with Onset Mental Health, to discuss the urgent need for mental health awareness and proactive support in the film industry.
The Mental Health Crisis in Entertainment
From burnout to addiction, mental health challenges in the entertainment world are pervasive. 55% of film industry professionals have contemplated suicide, highlighting the severity of the issue. With Georgia’s film industry booming—bringing more productions to Dunwoody and the Atlanta metro area—addressing these concerns has never been more important.
Tara and Lishers emphasize that mental health resources should be integrated into the workplace culture, ensuring that film professionals have access to the support they need.
Tara Nichols: A Personal Mission for Healing
Tara Nichols’ journey into mental health advocacy was shaped by personal tragedy. She lost a family member to a drug overdose, which motivated her to create The Nichols Center, a nonprofit dedicated to helping families navigate mental health and substance use challenges.
Through her work, she has developed programs like the Authentic Woman Curriculum, which helps women overcome trauma and addiction. Her nonprofit also extends services to film sets through Onset Mental Health, ensuring that proactive wellness strategies are available to industry professionals.
“We need to stop being reactive when it comes to mental health. It’s not just about responding to a crisis—it’s about preventing it in the first place.” — Tara Nichols
Lishers Mahone: The Take Eight Minutes Initiative
With over 16 years in the entertainment industry, Lishers Mahone has witnessed firsthand the mental toll that filmmaking takes on its workers. He advocates for small but meaningful changes, such as the Take Eight Minutes campaign—a movement that encourages people on set to:
✔️ Check in with colleagues
✔️ Have open conversations about mental health
✔️ Encourage proactive well-being practices
Lishers believes that mental health should be as much of a priority on set as safety regulations, helping to create a healthier, more supportive work environment.
How Dunwoody Plays a Role in Film Industry Wellness
Dunwoody has become a go-to destination for film productions, offering prime locations and access to Atlanta’s growing entertainment scene. As productions increase, so does the need for local resources that support mental wellness in the industry.
Businesses and organizations in Dunwoody, like The Nichols Center, are taking proactive steps to ensure that mental health remains a priority, helping film professionals maintain long-term careers without sacrificing well-being.
Key Takeaways & How You Can Help
- Mental health should be a standard practice on film sets, not an afterthought.
- Preventative care, like workshops and support groups, helps reduce crises before they happen.
- Local organizations like The Nichols Center and Onset Mental Health provide crucial resources.
For immediate support, dial 988, Georgia’s Crisis Line, which offers assistance for mental health emergencies.
Learn More & Get Involved
The Nichols Center – Website | Facebook | InstagramOnset Mental Health – More Info
By prioritizing mental wellness in entertainment, Dunwoody is helping to shape a healthier, more sustainable creative industry.
Watch the full Dunwoody Dialogues episode for more insights into mental health advocacy in film.