Nicholas Cunningham is a long-time performer, dancer, choreographer for a number of Broadway shows, including most recently, The Phantom of the Opera.
What past life experiences, physical traumas or genetics do you believe have had an effect on your mental health?
How did the effects on your mental health appear in terms of symptoms?
I think my symptoms grew over a long period of time, they weren’t instant and I certainly didn’t notice them straight away. They started appearing much later in life, which was when I decided to face them. That was when I realized there was a lot of work to be done. There were many years of self-suppressing to unravel.
When and why did you decide to ask for help to get relief?
I decided to get help six months into my sobriety, as I had abstained from all drugs and alcohol without the help of a program. I had succeeded up to that point, but after six months of meditation, and self care, and work, I realized that doing this alone wasn’t the way. I asked from help, and started therapy. I’ve been once a week, almost every week for two years. It has saved me from a relapse and I’ve learned that a lot of my substance abuse and alcohol addiction came from and is related to my mental health.
What methods helped you individually get/feel better?
How did people react when you went public with your story?
Love. I was showered with an overwhelming amount of love. I held myself accountable and shared a video online three years ago. I woke the next day to 400 + messages of support and love. It was that day I knew I had made the right decision to change my life. Three years later, I’m sharing my story with you, #SameHere!
Links and/or descriptions to any of your own personal resources you would like to share with the Global Mental Health Community:
If you are in the NYC area, two great places to find help with your mental health are IHI Therapy Center and GMHC.
Nicholas Cunningham is a long-time performer, dancer, choreographer for a number of Broadway shows, including most recently, The Phantom of the Opera.
The Global Mental Health Alliance: We’re All A Little “Crazy” 501(c)(3)
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Nicholas Cunningham
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We are on a mission
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who live with mental illness.
Thank you for being you.
Much love and hugs, Sue
“There’s no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.”
~Maya Angelou
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