We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Alexandra Ficken. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Alexandra below.
Alexandra, we are so deeply grateful to you for opening up about your journey with mental health in the hops that it can help someone who might be going through something similar. Can you talk to us about your mental health journey and how you overcame or persisted despite any issues? For readers, please note this is not medical advice, we are not doctors, you should always consult professionals for advice and that this is merely one person sharing their story and experience.
It’s easy for my mental health issues to get in the way of my artistic abilities, ideas, and my overall growth. I think it has always been sort of in the way, and I just haven’t been able to admit that fully. A few years back, I was in a show that took a huge toll on me like no other show or role ever has. I almost didn’t recognize myself. And unfortunately, my art, my relationships, my nervous system suffered greatly. It was only for a two month span but the state of where my mind was afterwards had completely changed. I knew something had to give; I started back on my medication and went back to looking for a regular therapist. I also made sure I was moving my body and being outside a lot more. And sure enough, slowly, I did start to feel better. I made a promise to myself, I wouldn’t let it get that bad again. But that’s the thing about our mental health, sometimes these negative habits and emotions creep in and you don’t even know it’s happening until it’s already taken over. My depression and anxiety were things I never talked about openly but I’ve found it actually helps to discuss it out loud. The stigma starts to sting less and less every time. There are no perfect days; in fact I struggle with it every single day but now I know how to listen to my body and have a toolkit of resources if ever I feel that low again. It’s not easy but doing the work is absolutely worth it.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
Ever since I was little, I was always involved in the arts. Growing up it was ballet. I was either at the studio for class or some kind of rehearsal, or at the theatre completely exhausted and trying to finish my homework in the dimly lit audience. But it just made sense to me. I always wanted to be performing. I knew I would always be doing it or involved in some way. I branched into acting later in middle and high school and fell in love with it just as much. After getting a degree in the Fine Arts, the next step was to try to make a living out of it. There have been so many challenges along the way, so many side jobs, rejections, and an endless amount of questioning if I should stick with it. But if I’m not pursuing it, I feel like something is missing and incomplete. Work has been hard to come by with a pandemic and a record breaking union strike, but I’m in it for the long haul. A career in the arts is anything from easy or comfortable, but it can be life changing.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Persistency: is the key to keep your passion going. Even if it’s something small each day, keep pursuing yourself and your artistic endeavors. You won’t regret it. Openness: to whatever comes your way. Being open to new people and new experiences, because you never know who you are going to meet and who might change your life.
Grounded: in who you are deep down and what you know you’re capable of. Staying true to yourself because there will be times when it is tested and you have to find the courage to advocate for yourself. Like being your own cheerleader.
What’s been one of your main areas of growth this year?
This past year, my biggest area of growth has been because of my travels. I was lucky enough to spend some time in other countries, different states, and meeting incredible people and having brand new experiences… Something I will never take for granted. There’s something about traveling the world that shows you how big and beautiful and complicated it is. And weirdly enough, while you’re seeing these new sights and meeting humans you’ve never met before, you start learning about yourself in the process. The world starts opening up and you begin see things differently, like what you can offer the world and what it can offer you. It’s been therapeutic.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.alexandraficken.com
- Instagram: @alexandraficken
- Imdb: imdb.me/alexandraficken
Image Credits
Emily Lambert, Casey Gardner, Greg Mooney, A’riel Tinter
