Candid Kate

Kate Winslet’s candid admission that it “takes time” to let go of troubled characters offers a rare and valuable insight into the emotional cost of acting. Audiences often admire performances without realising how deeply actors immerse themselves in complex roles. Portraying trauma, grief or psychological conflict repeatedly can blur the boundary between fiction and personal life, making “re-entry” into normal routines a genuine challenge.

Her comments highlight an important but rarely discussed issue: the mental well-being of artists who must repeatedly access painful emotions for the sake of authenticity. Just as soldiers and doctors need support after intense experiences, performers too deserve understanding and structured care after demanding projects. Acting may look glamorous, but it involves emotional labour that can leave lasting impressions on the mind.

Winslet’s openness should encourage the film industry to take mental health more seriously by offering counselling, decompression time and supportive environments for actors.

Shaukat Sharif,
By email