The following article includes discussions of depression and suicide.
In this season,Melissa Claire Egan’s character, Chelsea, battles with depression and thoughts of suicide.
They also opened up about some of the touching responses they’ve received from fans since the episode aired.
What made you want to cover those topics?
Josh Griffith:It actually started as everything that I make a run at do with the character.
I wasn’t thinking about “Let’s take on a social issue or a mental health issue.”
I was like, “Oh my God, I can’t believe she gets to that place.”
I couldn’t believe how common it was and how moved people were.
I was honored to tell it and hopeful.
I wanted to do a good, respectful job of telling [this story].
You represent real people with real problems, so you want to ensure you do it well.
There are so many people that have experienced this in one way or another.
Egan:I cried in my car.
I did, when I saw how we’d helped people.
People said, “I saw myself.”
A stranger responded to them on Twitter, saying, “This is another number you could call.”
The conversations it has started have been so moving and was what we wanted to have happen.
But to see it in front of our eyes has been touching and moving and very humbling.
Egan:That’s why I was impressed with our writers.
Now, who’s my next love interest?"
It’s her therapy.
It’s her making amends.
It’s her having setbacks.
I’m still shooting episodes where that’s happening.
She’s not just better, which wouldn’t be a realistic portrayal.
I’m really impressed with the writers.
Griffith:We had a doctor working with us that was amazing that [Egan] talked to.
It always ended up being actually a more dramatic way to go, realistically.
Egan:Dr. Dan Reidenberg from theInternational Association for Suicide Preventionwas so helpful.
How they handled the story delicately
As you said, you didn’t want to sensationalize it.
What were your biggest concerns as you were writing the episode to handle it delicately?
She could get to this point.
Egan:[Not to have them] kiss at the end of that episode.
To be honest about those characters was very important to us, and I think we’ve done it.
Egan:It’s true.
You’ve seen families destroyed, family friends, and friends from childhood.
Everyone, even if they don’t suffer from it, can relate to it.
Egan:You feel for him in the situation terribly as well.
Griffith:If you tell a good story, it will still engage.
Mental health can be something that people are scared to talk about.
Were you hopeful that it would open up a conversation in the way it has?
Or was that surprising to you?
Griffith:We were hopeful that it would open a conversation.
Egan:We had to.
We wanted to verify people had the right resources because it did pull at the heartstrings.
You have to help give them the resources if they’re hurting to be able to get help.
It is massively important.
But you have to be responsible with it as well.
you could’t leave that in someone’s lap and not give them tools to help themselves.
Melissa, you’ve been playing Chelsea for several years.
This is definitely the most serious and the most relatable.
It’s been incredible.
I’m grateful that the writers told it in a way where people weren’t going, “What?
Why would she want to kill herself?”
You see the build-up of her suffering and her pain and struggling.
I didn’t hear one person say, “That’s not realistic.”
I’m grateful to tell that part of the story as well.
It’s been incredible.
Griffith:She [Egan] is remarkable.
Egan:I have good writing.
It’s easy when you have amazing words to say; it’s a lot easier.
Griffith:No, you could’ve messed it up.
Egan:Number one is that you’re not alone.
Also, real depictions of real struggles, to normalize what people go through …
Feeling isolated and alone is one of the hardest things in life.
Hopefully, people are feeling less alone and knowing that there’s hope.
Griffith:There is hope, there are answers, there is help, and you’re never alone.
you might always find a support team.
You’ve mentioned a few times that as Chelsea is going through therapy, there are setbacks.
Was that something that was important to you so it didn’t look like she was cured overnight?
That came from also talking with Dr. Dan [Reidenberg], that it’s not a linear path.
You take what you learn.
It’s something that you learn to cope with.
It’s something that you learn to deal with daily.
Egan:It’s a disease.
We say that a lot depression is a disease.
It will be a constant continuing journey for her, which, as a dramatist, is fantastic.
Egan:As an actor, it’s pretty fantastic, too.
Plans for coming seasons
Are you hoping to continue this storyline through next season?
Griffith:Years and years.
Egan:I’m tired, Josh.
I’m so tired.
Chelsea needs to go to Hawaii and sip a pina colada on the beach.
Chelsea needs a nap.
Just kidding I’m very grateful.
But I don’t know.
Griffith:I’ll say this is yes, there’s much, much more to play.
Egan:Which is great.
This is also the 50th season of the show.
Griffith:Remarkable and humbling.
Griffith:We haven’t been here for 50 years.
Let’s make that clear right now.
Egan:It’s so exciting to be [part of] … How many people can say they were part of a show’s 50-year anniversary?
It is very humbling and exciting.
I can’t wait to see what’s coming up, because they won’t tell me anything.
I can’t wait to see what stories are coming in.
Anthony Morina is the show’s executive producer.
The co-executive producer and head writer is Josh Griffith.
This interview was edited for clarity.
