Actress Opens Up About Psychotic Breaks
Ruby Barker, known for her role as Marina Thompson in the hit period drama Bridgerton, has spoken out about her mental health struggles after the show. In a recent interview on the LOAF Podcast, Barker revealed that she experienced two psychotic breaks, one in 2019 after filming the first season of Bridgerton and another in 2022. She expressed disappointment in Netflix for not providing any support or aftercare throughout her ordeal.
No Support from Netflix
Barker shared that despite her struggles, she received "no support" from Netflix or the production company, Shondaland. She expressed her frustration, stating that neither Netflix nor Shondaland reached out to check on her well-being or offer any form of aftercare or support. Barker felt the pressure to maintain a positive image in line with the show's bubbly nature, even though she was internally struggling.
Pressure to Appear "Bubbly"
In the lead-up to the release of Bridgerton, Barker faced immense pressure to appear "bubbly" and maintain a positive image. She described the challenges she faced, saying, "My life was changing drastically overnight, and yet there was still no support." Barker felt the weight of needing to promote the show while dealing with her mental health struggles. She emphasized the lack of support from Netflix and Shondaland during this challenging time.
Mental Health Struggles Disclosed
This is not the first time Barker has opened up about her mental health struggles. In a May 2022 Instagram video post, she revealed that she had been "really unwell for a really long time" and had been "struggling since 'Bridgerton.'" Barker expressed gratitude to her friends, family, and Netflix for their support during her recovery. She also thanked Netflix for giving her the opportunity to be part of Bridgerton.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues, please reach out to a helpline or support organization in your country.
