Mark Duplass Talks Openly About His Mental Health Struggles

Mark Duplass recently shared his experiences with depression and anxiety, describing the journey as incredibly complex.

“It’s a really complicated system that requires me to get enough sleep, exercise regularly, and manage my medications carefully. You can’t miss a beat,” he told Page Six at the Gotham Television Awards.

The 48-year-old actor revealed that he has been on the same medication for nearly two decades, which he considers fundamental to his well-being.

He noted, “It’s a delicate balance and an ecosystem.” Duplass admitted that maintaining that balance can be tiring, saying, “I feel I have to keep showing up and working, and that’s exhausting, but… what options do I really have?”

Duplass has been transparent about his mental health on social media for several years. In October 2023, he posted a photo of himself smiling on the red carpet, contrasting it with the struggles he faces with depression and anxiety.

In his caption, Duplass reflected on the difficulty of navigating life while dealing with these challenges. “I have struggled with anxiety and depression for most of my life. When I see a photo like this, I can see the fear and sadness behind my smile. Even in ‘happy’ times, when the world feels overwhelmingly sad, it’s a struggle to stay on my feet and not crash,” he admitted.

He described being candid with friends and family about his challenges but realized after going public that he wasn’t as alone in his feelings as he once thought. “When my post went viral, I felt a shift. I’ve been more intentional about sharing because this seems like a worthy journey to carry,” he said.

Duplass believes there’s an intricate relationship between his mental health and his creativity. He acknowledged that, while mental health can feel illogical, it’s part of who he is. “There are times when life seems to be going well, yet getting out of bed feels impossible,” he noted. “But I won’t change my creative side, even though it’s not easy.”