In an enlightening interview, the performer shared how he coped when his work projects were put on hold because of Covid. A prominent figure on the screen since the 1990s, starring in blockbusters such as Schindler’s List, how did Ralph find the global slow down? The 60-year-old told Female First: “My mental health is such that I need to keep busy.
“If I don’t give myself tasks, whether it’s learning a language or doing exercise or something, I can sink…
“The morning time is the worst. In that weird place between sleep and wakefulness, I feel a low thing coming into me.
“But then I get up and start the day and I do stuff and it’s sort of OK.”
Living on his own, he did find that “incrementally, over weeks and weeks”, his life resembled the “Twilight Zone”.
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Remembering back before the pandemic, Ralph knew what he was doing, then “everything that was slated got moved around”.
Sinking into depression
The mental health charity Mind lists the common signs and symptoms of depression to watch out for, including feeling:
- Down, upset or tearful
- Restless, agitated or irritable
- Guilty, worthless and down on yourself
- Empty and numb
- Isolated and unable to relate to other people
- Finding no pleasure in life or things you usually enjoy
- A sense of unreality
- No self-confidence or self-esteem
- Hopeless and despairing
- Suicidal.
People who are experiencing depression might behave by:
- Avoiding social events and activities you usually enjoy
- Self-harming or suicidal behaviour
- Difficulty speaking, thinking clearly or making decisions
- Losing interest in sex
- Difficulty remembering or concentrating on things
- Using more tobacco, alcohol or other drugs than usual
- Difficulty sleeping, or sleeping too much
- Feeling tired all the time
- No appetite and losing weight, or eating too much and gaining weight
- Physical aches and pains with no obvious physical cause
- Moving very slowly, or being restless and agitated.
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Severe episodes of depression can lead to delusions, such as paranoia, and hallucinations, such as hearing voices.
How to help yourself from slipping into depression
There are steps you can take to improve your mental health, Mind assures.
“Many people find that just sharing their experiences can help them feel better,” the charity says.
“It may be that just having someone listen to you and show they care can help in itself.”
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Activities could include yoga, swimming, or walking, which can all help to boost your mood.
Even taking a shower can feel restorative, especially when you get fully dressed, even if you aren’t leaving the house.
Ralph Fiennes features in Maid in Manhattan, which is showing on Sunday, January 8 at 3:50pm on channel 4.
