Christy, M. (1986, February 9). Taking charge: Actress Barbara Howard fights depression. Boston Globe.

 OVERVIEW

Actress Barbara Howard, a star of CBS’ "Falcon Crest," was born in Chicago, grew up in Palatine, Illinois, and was magna cum laude from the University of Utah in fine arts. Acting jobs came very slowly, and she worked as a waitress to support herself. Frustration and continued rejections sent her into deep depression. Through her mother’s encouragement and contact, Barbara entered therapy:

I was embarrassed. I felt like I wasn’t together, that I was a mess. I really felt hopeless about myself...The therapist helped me by assuring me I wasn’t crazy...She told me I was in the doldrums, but that happened to everybody.

I also knew that there’s nothing more depressing than being around a depressed person. So I fought back. I knew I wasn’t letting people be friends to me. More important, I wasn’t a friend to myself. I only seemed to like myself when I looked great and things were going wonderfully. I wanted someone else to bring me happiness. I had to learn that nobody can really make another person happy. In the end, you have to make yourself happy. You really have to be a friend to yourself.

One of the hardest things about being an actress is the rejection...you take the rejection personally...That’s very painful. It hurts a lot...I have gone home and cried. Then anger takes over. Anger is a big help. I go home and yell. Or I go running. Or lift weights...I release my anger by releasing physical energy.

I have taught myself to believe rejection doesn’t mean that I did anything wrong. I do the best I can and forget about it...Nowadays I like myself even when things aren’t going right. I’m not egotistical, I’m not an egocentric. I don’t go around telling people that I’m a wonderful human being. When things go wrong, I say to myself: ‘You’re ok. Stay in touch with yourself.’ And that’s how I’ve gotten through the bad times.

IMPLICATIONS

1. Here is evidence of good therapy, good response, and growing up—and excellent principles for fighting some kinds of depression. It is important to know that depression, caused by chemical imbalances or deeper personality disorders, may need medication and longer therapy.
2. It is appropriate for youth leaders to know alternate ways to help kids experiencing depression. It is wise and almost necessary to have contacts with youth counselors, for both referrals and advice, when a youth leader is processing circumstances and experiences with depression-prone kids.