Bill Hader

Comedian, actor, director, producer and writer Bill Hader is a man of many hats most well-known for his 8-year stint on SNL, before moving on to the Big Screen in films such as It Chapter Two and Barry. However, Hader recently shared how he has struggled with anxiety for the majority of his life, starting when he was young. He describes the way in which his anxiety beginning at such a young age affected “everything from if I knew there was a big test, to getting on the school bus and doing that by myself, or any of those things... I just didn't think I would be able to do it, and there was always a little voice in my head telling me 'here's all the things that could go wrong.'” After years of struggling to overcome and cope, Hader finally sought professional help when his anxiety began to affect his work on television. He recalls how he would often stand backstage “hyperventilating and staring at the floor” before a skit, and that “doing that show [SNL] was really hard for [him].” Hader explains that the pivotal moment in regards to managing his anxiety occurred with the realization that his anxiety was not something that was going to go away on its own; rather, his anxiety was something that he had to embrace as a part of him. Through therapy and transcendental meditation, Hader now manages his anxiety in a healthier way that still allows him to thrive on-screen.

Hader has also become involved in the mental health community through the Child Mind Institute. In a recent interview on The Daily Show, Hader spoke to Trevor Noah about his participation in the #MyYoungerSelf campaign, which aims to remove the stigma from mental health and learning disorders for the children affected. The campaign shares stories and words of encouragement from numerous athletes, celebrities, and influencers in hopes of opening the conversation surrounding mental health. Hader shared his own story in a short video in hopes of reminding kids suffering from mental health disorders that it is okay to ask for help, and that things will get better. Though he may no longer be rocking the news desk as Stefan every Saturday night, Hader still manages to bring a little hope, and humor, to those in the mental health community.