Screenwriters’ mental health: Beyond the blank page

“The only time anyone will remember me is when they don’t get the episode on time”, was my opening statement to the psychotherapist when I first sought therapy after seven years of working as a screenwriter. Unfortunately, this experience is far from unique among screenwriters, with many facing similar challenges.
Isolation, loneliness, the stress of meeting deadlines, and anxiety due to financial insecurity are just the tip of the iceberg of mental challenges in this demanding and unforgiving industry.
It often begins with staring at a blank screen. Unformed ideas bubble in your head, yet you feel paralyzed by imposter syndrome, convinced your words will never be good enough to see the light of day.
If self-doubt isn’t crippling enough, constant comparisons to peers, pressure to produce exceptional work, and frequent rejections and ghosting exacerbate anxiety, stifle creativity, and trap writers in a vicious cycle.
Once, poet Rainer Maria Rilke declined psychoanalysis, saying, “Don’t take away my devils, because my angels may flee too.” This romantic notion of the ‘tortured artist’, is deeply ingrained in our culture, from the stories of Van Gogh and Beethoven to modern dialogues like “Toote hue dil se hi sangeet nikalta hai” (Imtiaz Ali, Muazzam Beg,Rockstar). While suffering is often seen as fuel for creativity, this narrative ignores the harsh realities of untreated mental health issues. In truth, romanticising suffering doesn’t help—it hurts.
Discussing depression or personality disorders in a writer’s room can invite probing questions and personal remarks, creating an unsafe environment that silences writers leaving them feeling unheard. Yet again. Even if one braves these challenges, the anxiety of delayed payments, refusal of due credit, rejection, cancellation of a show, or failure at the box office adds further to a writer’s misery. Add the expensive rent situation of Mumbai to this mix, and you have the recipe for a mental breakdown.
So, is there no chance of happy endings? As someone who has benefited from counselling, I believe there is. Seeking professional help not only teaches one to prioritize self-care but also empowers them to confront difficult situations head-on, boosting confidence and self-worth. It helps writers discipline themselves into a healthy routine and equips them with the tools to recognize and manage their triggers effectively.
In an industry where sleep is a luxury, and schedules are more like suggestions, it’s not uncommon for false deadlines to be conjured up to add unnecessary pressure. Coupled with the absence of contracts or the presence of unfair ones, it’s no wonder mental stress runs rampant. As writers, knowing our rights and fighting for them becomes not just a choice, but a necessity. A battle waged today can alleviate untold mental anguish tomorrow. Standing up for fair treatment and advocating for ourselves not only safeguards our well-being but also sets a precedent for a healthier, more equitable industry.
Writing may be a solitary occupation, but connection and support can go a long way in navigating through this. Being an active member of the Screenwriter’s Association and other online communities for screenwriters, brings solace and solidarity, serving as a poignant reminder that one is not alone in their journey towards healing and creative expression. Implementing regular check-ins or accountability partners within the community can ensure that writers are consistently monitoring their mental well-being and seeking support when necessary. So, the next time you bump into a writer, don’t forget to ask,– Sab Khairyat?

Sweksha Bhagat, Screenwriter & Joint Secretary, The Screenwriter’s Association of India (SWA)