For International Men's Day, actor and writer James Sutton, renowned for his roles in Hollyoaks and Emmerdale, has shared a powerful and personal account of his struggles with mental wellbeing, fame, and the importance of opening up.
The Power of Conversation
Appearing on Edge Hill University's latest Edge Ahead podcast episode in the 'What's in Your Head?' series, Sutton had a candid conversation with former Premier League goalkeeper Chris Kirkland and podcaster Gareth Roberts. They explored the often-hidden topic of men's mental health and the unique pressures that come with fame.
As the host of his own podcast, Male Mind Matters, Sutton passionately believes that communication is a vital tool. He emphasised that talking about your struggles is not just therapeutic for you, but it also empowers others to do the same.
"Not only are you lightening your own load, but you're also giving the person you're talking to permission to do the same thing and to pass that forward," he explained. "I want to create a society where men feel like they have permission to do that."
A Struggle with Panic and Pressure
Sutton revealed the immense pressure he faced early in his career, which led to a debilitating period of panic attacks that lasted for six months while he was training at drama school. At the time, with little public discourse around mental health, he genuinely feared he was "going mad".
The anxiety was so intense it caused him to miss classes, leading lecturers to question if he could even complete his course. His experience demonstrates that a mental health crisis doesn't always need a specific trigger. "It just happens, that's what we have to understand as well, that mental health crisis isn't always rooted in something. It just happens," he stated.
The actor also discussed the toxic aspects of celebrity culture that contributed to a later breakdown, including heavy drinking and a neglect of self-care, which ultimately led to his divorce. He warned that fame should be the "perfume of talent", not the primary goal, advising young creatives to focus on their craft and training to stay grounded.
Portraying Heavy Storylines with Responsibility
Sutton also opened up about the emotional weight of portraying complex and heavy storylines on Hollyoaks as John Paul, which included topics like sexual assault and struggles with sexuality.
He spoke of the immense responsibility he felt towards the LGBTQ+ community and survivors of sexual violence. To ensure truth and accuracy in his performance, he received invaluable support from organisations like We Are Survivors.
This episode of the Edge Ahead podcast is a must-listen for anyone interested in the realities of the TV industry, breaking the stigma around male emotions, and the simple, powerful steps we can all take to prioritise our mental wellbeing.
Episodes of Edge Ahead, featuring expert guests and inspirational stories, are available to stream on Spotify and YouTube now. Edge Hill University offers a dedicated student support service, providing mental health and wellbeing advice.
