Mara Wilson on Anxiety, OCD, and Depression

This is a video from Mara Wilson (@MaraWritesStuff), a New York-based writer, performer, storyteller, and the host of the monthly show “What Are You Afraid Of?". Mara talks about her struggles with OCD and depression, as well as her experience on "What Are You Afraid Of?".
You can help us make more #mentalhealth videos by donating to UROK - every donation is matched dollar for dollar up to $100k :D! bit.ly/2kQT2MD
It's easy to make your own Project UROK video-- go to projecturok.org... to find out how!
Questions? Concerns? Compliments? Send them all to [e-mail]
Don't forget to subscribe!
Project UROK is an initiative of the Child Mind Institute founded in 2014 by Jenny Jaffe. Our mission is to create funny, meaningful videos for teenagers struggling with mental health issues, made by people who have been there before. In doing so, we will provide not only practical assistance, but also a sense of belonging, a sense of comfort, and a sense of hope.
IF YOU OR SOMEONE YOU KNOW IS IN IMMEDIATE DANGER OF SELF-HARMING OR COMMITTING SUICIDE, PLEASE DIAL 911, OR THE SUICIDE PREVENTION LIFELINE: 1-800-273-8255
Check out our resources page here: projecturok.org...
www.ProjectUROK.org
www.childmind.org
Follow us on Twitter: @projectUROK
Follow us on Instagram: @projectUROK
Follow us on Tumblr: tumblr.com/projecturok
Like us on Facebook: projecturok

[@brandienicole7638]

"I wish I had fought my depression, and not fought my anxiety as much." Thank you.

[@Belushi87]

its the people who don't have anxiety that tell you that its not that big of a deal. to be honest, you try and wake up everyday and get so anxious that you don't want to get out of bed.

[@JanuaryLovesSelena]

Yes. Yes. Yes.

[@kamissadiarra5074]

exactly

[@KidsWithGuns1992]

If I could live without anxiety life would be easy. It’s like EVERYTHING is a struggle and fight with anxiety. Seeing a psychologist changed my life, but I’m currently not financial enough to continue, and I need the help. It’s very VERY tiring feeing like you’re starting at the beginning again after so long of working on getting better. People who don’t have anxiety are incredibly lucky and privileged. Anxiety is like constantly putting effort into the smallest of tasks all the time. You are constantly exhausted because of it. You do get so much better with a psychologist, your anxiety can go completely. But man it takes work and going backwards fucking sucks. I’m just so tired

[@Cordy712]

Mara is one of the best humans.

[@haulsbyhana1760]

Im just here becuase I was rewatching matilda

[@toria97love]

looool me 2

[@braselton94]

Me three

[@friedchicken1]

me five :D

[@ABruhMan]

Me six

[@travelingplay2957]

Me seven

[@hersheychocolate2004]

she grown into a pretty lady glad she's doing better.

[@georginadrake4050]

I wasn't expecting this to be so helpful. I thought it was going to be another awareness thing (which isn't really helpful to sufferers who know what they're suffering from) but instead she said & showed ways to actually deal with the problem. The point about not fighting the fear is the best known way to help improve it so I was very pleasantly surprised & impressed with this video ☺️ Great job Mara! 😊

[@ProjectUROK]

So happy you found it so helpful

[@christianmoraojeda7947]

is ok Mara, you are part of our childhood, and we love how you are, we are with you.

[@imakeadifference2011]

It's weird how by just changing your breathing pattern you can actually feel better

[@ProjectUROK]

imakeadifference2011 Science, are we right?

[@Taradise85]

imakeadifference2011 I do it all the time

[@junehasrised5104]

Firefly watch yourself

[@lidaaletap2646]

@@junehasrised5104 Over there stragglers

[@stillhere7193]

Jogging will help

[@oceanusun]

shes so real

[@Manu-gp3rq]

Regrettably She is just a robot.

[@ProjectUROK]

Happy to say Mara is a very real, loving human. #UROK

[@oceanusun]

ahahahaha!

[@oceanusun]

I hope!!! : S Im tired of the holographic projections

[@kimmolinazuniga]

I'm 18 and Matilda still my favorite movie..Stay strong Mara :)

[@matildamemes8504]

Truly is a gem of a movie.

[@danfriesen2212]

Isn't openness refreshing? ! I have lived 25 years since my bipolar diagnosis. I share my story of living in recovery in conferences and schools. People appreciate honesty, vulnerability, and a non- clinical life story. NORMAL is big enough to include YOU and ME!

[@CCTVWorldWideUK]

Thanks for the helpful tips Mara; they really do help in anyone's everyday life. And also big shout outs to Project UROK; you're doing a great thing in your channel and I hope more people realize (should they suffer from anxiety, depression etc) that they are not alone in this. :)

[@ProjectUROK]

CCTV Studios Thank you!

[@catalina.sarmiento]

It was amazing to hear you both on the radio today (Colombia). I absolutely love what you are doing. Mental health is a priority not a topic to avoid. Keep the good work up!

[@LisaLehuaTaylorMusic]

Wow. To find out that Mara Wilson, from one of my favorite movies ever (Matilda) deals with O.C.D and depression, is amazing. I'm very open about my life with the same issues because the stigma that comes with them needs to end. Thank you SO much for sharing your story. I know it will help others!

[@Hahahahaaahaahaa]

So well put. As another wise individual once wrote: "I must not fear. Fear is the mind-killer. Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration. I will face my fear. I will permit it to pass over me and through me. And when it has gone past I will turn the inner eye to see its path. Where the fear has gone there will be nothing. Only I will remain" Also, I am so sorry your cousin is Ben.

[@right..5651]

Who was that wise individual 🤔

[@DeltaPterigos114]

Matilda 2015 #Matilda #MaraWilson2015

[@Alejaccx]

OMG! I was just thinking to myself "Oh, GREAT! I have a panic attack once again" and I was totally getting tired of this of all of this and then I saw this video and now I'm SO Gratetful to know that such a beautiful actress like Mara Wilson that played one of the most significant characters of my childhood has the same problem than me is just Incredible, I mean, I just can't realize this is real. Wow.

[@ProjectUROK]

+Alejandra CC So glad this helps!

[@Alejaccx]

Project UROK A L O T !! You don't have idea, :) thanks about it!

[@not.supermario]

The breathing exercise works 100%. I feel totally relaxed before I take an SAT or any test, or if I'm mad, it totally works.

[@agapecreativeswithlove2190]

Mara You are Special In God. I hope You can read this :)

[@misakitsukiyoomi2777]

Thanks Mara, my boyfriend suffer from anxiety, this video is helpful! Thanks!!!

[@ProjectUROK]

+MiSaKi TsUkIyÖoMi kAtSuRaGuI So glad it helped! :D

[@xxlucii94]

esto hace 2 años que me viene siendo de ayuda posta para dormir la siesta

[@bobbq8380]

LOVE Mara. Her coming out with past issues encouraging

[@andreamerari3135]

You are not alone and you are ok. :) (Y)

[@jforozco12]

wow she's a beauty

[@EraJavukh]

That's just Daniel Radcliffe in a wig.

[@orianadiaz2742]

Thank you, Mara! What an inspiring video.

[@comradesandwich9437]

I love you so much, thank you.

[@lpsemilygirl1847]

I have OCD too I'm currently taking medication slowly getting cured but the horrible thoughts are still there but I'm taking counseling to cope with the frightening images.

[@ProjectUROK]

We're really glad to hear that you are taking care of your mental health! Recovery is a process don't feel bad if you are still struggling. You are not alone and you are OK!

[@lpsemilygirl1847]

Project UROK thank u very much

[@caitparker3114]

She's probably my favourite role model I'm kind of glad she went through this to because she's amazing and has clearly tried to get through it so well I'm glad im not the only one

[@twistedgiggity7369]

Mara is an amazing human being this will help a lot when I wake up every morning I wake up having an anxiety attack every morning

[@yorokobisweet6310]

It's Matilda OML- and the fact that she's been through all this sh*t with feeling anxious, depressed, and having OCD, suddenly makes me feel not so alone.

[@h29452]

Mara Wilson is such an inspiration to me. In so many ways. :)

[@ProjectUROK]

We're so glad that you found this inspiring!

[@scottstanley1640]

I found out about this last year and it actually soothes me from all the bad anxiety’s I’ve dealt with

[@eugeo1234]

Great technique! Is even better when you breath in through your nose.

[@ProjectUROK]

So glad you found this helpful!

[@jenniferstewart1106]

A lovely person 💕

[@SalmonMage]

I have a lot of respect for her. And that breathing exercise is really helpful.

[@heridacristina]

I think that to know that famous people have the same dark issues that we commom people had to deal with every day is something i never really expected to see. The way they break down the child's life- cause they got into the Hollywood famous world to have fun but then it became something out of their control cause the people who get close to them always want them to do something and that's kinda depressing.- and like, well, as a person that have faced anxiety and depression for a very long time to see that i'm not alone on this journey it's a relief. Believe in yourselfs and that you're gonna make it. My mind is keeping on a hope that i'll overcome the fear and i will overcome my anxiety and depression. Thanky you Mara for being so strong and share your story with us!

[@ProjectUROK]

We're so glad you found this video helpful. We believe in you! You are so strong!

[@heridacristina]

@@ProjectUROK thank you so much! 😊

[@ProjectUROK]

@@heridacristina You are very welcome!

[@friedchicken1]

aawwwww you sweetie!! youre still supercute!! :D :) :) I also have those issues after my mom passed, she was not old

[@nonstop9907]

Just watched Matila after so many years since watching it as a child, I remember a lot of us enjoyed this movie during my childhood, It has to be one of my childhood favourites, I'm now a 25 year old man, I was curious and thought why not look at what ''Matilda'' looks like now, she must be a similar age to me, Its good to see people in their journey of life, it shows she is just like us, but this topic made me sad, when I think about depression, I just get teary eyed, at least this movie from way back made me happy again for an hour, the opening scene puts things in to perspective, but even if I don't have the best life, I guess I have got to enjoy the little things, even if its not perfect, and it sometimes gets me down.

[@ProjectUROK]

Every new day is a reason to keep going.

[@realdeal7074]

I love this, her description "this false alarm in your body" this was a really good video. I prefer her hair lile this ha! I can tell she looksike her younger self I'm this video! It's nice

[@ProjectUROK]

We're glad you found this video helpful!

[@marachime]

I had extreme pain every day for about 2 months last year. i tried this breathing exercise after finding it online and immediately, all the pain left. all that pain had been a concoction of my brain, of my anxiety, not real pain. It made me so angry XD. All this time i'd felt weak and wasn't sleeping and it was /me/ in control of it. me doing it to myself. i love this breathing exercise, so thank you for sharing it

[@jggamusic]

thanks Mara!! thanks project UROK

[@JuanCarlosCoronelQuevedo]

I have this too. I never have meet another young person with this issue

[@LiliHartlep]

Idol of my childhood, idol of my adulthood.

[@pureroseangemuse7910]

I’m still anxious but watching u makes me less anxious

[@ProjectUROK]

We're so glad you found this video helpful! It's OK if you still feel anxious, but you are not the only one dealing with anxiety. You are OK even if you still struggle sometimes.

[@alejandrogonzales7658]

love you matilda

[@jhongelvez4746]

Léelo por favor!!!!! Dios te bendiga me encantaba tu película de Matilda siempre la veía cuando iba a vacaciones donde mis primas sabes que es lo curioso ellas eran cristianas después de dejar de ser niños ellas se apartaron de Dios yo me convertí y esa película tan bonita lamentablemente tiene unos trasfondos espirituales muy fuertes busca a Dios pueda que lo que vives ahora haga parte de eso que participaste en el pasado yo se que Dios te puede dar La Paz que necesitas tienes mucho talento en las manos de Dios sería genial cuídate CRISTO TE AMA Y MURIÓ POR TI :)

[@JM-qt5mg]

who's here cause you just fished Matilda? #classicmovie .. glad to see she became a real down to earth person

[@curtwall7089]

Wish mara wilson was my friend true geniune woman inspiration to many people in same shoes :)

[@shivampundir4662]

Treatment. . Chanting name of god shree Krishna, meditation, motivate yourself from successful people, make habit. Will you treated from this. I'm also suffering but great improvement.

[@chancewatkins5071]

Wow, thanks for sharing; Jesus Christ Bless! :)

[@jacobsings]

I have the same thing. I also have Asperger's syndrome.

[@bigbakaboon]

I just read her article on cracked which was great. My little niece was a big fan of matilda (She kind of had shitty parents). But i'm glad she turned out to be studious and a storyteller. I'm a fan of NPR and also have board game nights. i'd think we'd get along well.

[@sertorivs7792]

I have a tip for you. breath the minimum oxygen and exhale 7-8 seconds. a few times. your brain will detect that you are in trouble with breath and the activity of unnecesary thoughts will decay. you cannot think about any project, people, travel, trouble, agenda. that's good to re-start your thoughts in a manner you would prefer, and early in the morning the cheapest and faster.

[@dublin7]

I’m so so impressed by the person she has become, she was a fantastic child actress who stared in movies that shaped my childhood but I’m even more impressed with the woman she has become, her talking about her struggles can help so many and I’m glad how candid she is and I’m definitely going to read her book.

[@ProjectUROK]

We're so glad you liked this video!

[@GuillermoAmadeus]

Interestingly, the program is called ur ok ?, because that is the greatest issue the fear of being wrong, no one should need the approval of anyone to be. The point is that people with OCD are very sensitive people susceptible to the smallest details, can create multiple future where everything goes wrong, they prefer to stay without going in action, because no action appears response exercise to avoid mistakes but still get the damage and loss for not doing something. Having something that is approved by all is what gives a feeling of peace and quiet, when you do not have a script mind only dedicated to think about everything that can be done, the reality is always the desicion has to take from oneself. If you fight against anxiety and depression means you're defending the ideas that are leading, let them go are not yours, someone beat you and you thought to be true.You dont need to live other person live. Something curious is that people who committed more errors, is asking you more perfection and is never satisfied, but with great sensitivity, the ability to see imperfections is unlimited and the work never stops, hence the anxiety, not having a solid base to rest on the long walk turns into depression. As humans are said to have many imperfections, reality It is that someone created a definition of human perfect and there began the comparison and the dissatisfaction of our perfection, to be something that we're not. Thank´s Mara wilson and UROK.

[@matthewmcgee4053]

Dude looks like a lady. I’m tryna get this bum OCD intrusive thought in my head out of my head and it’s been there for 4 weeks

[@dibujatumundo31]

It's just like one feels, from another perspective it seems easy, but it is not entirely true because you have to face something we can not control.

[@juliancamera]

She changed acting for writing. (Dejó la actuación y se convirtió en escritora.)

[@نادرالیراحمان]

Diet also plays a huge role. Sugar and caffeine contribute towards them. They are to be avoided.

[@arkhero_ms]

i play league and sometimes i get tilt, so i turn off the pc, but i feel weird after that, i feel like i got tilted irl, sometimes i sweat, yeah i do, but... i love LoL, i don't know what to do, however i am shy at school and have few friends, sry bout my english, is not my main idiom.

[@arkhero_ms]

however i'll try this at school... ty

[@seisanrightwing]

Your slogan can also be used post ischemic emotional trauma as "U-ROK".

[@yogicharley]

Thanks for sharing this. My panic attacks have come back with a vengeance and you speak very eloquently and elegantly on the subject as well as sharing this technique. x

[@ProjectUROK]

yogicharley Hang in there!

[@emmaedelmann220]

I have depression and anxiety

[@thetrustysidekick3013]

One doesn't happen without the other. You can get through it, you can and will get better.

[@yexxikkaa]

I think that this video is amazing, the best advice that I have heard, but I would like that someone could subtitle it at spanish, I meet people that don't understand english and it's difficult to me translate it, and they need this advices!

[@ProjectUROK]

+Jessica Padilla Thank you! We actually have Spanish subtitles available, but if you know any other languages we would love to add them!

[@RA-nd7ye]

"we're his god damn kids too"

[@hernanbarrios9039]

Matilda siempre te amare .. sara podes salir adelante.. desde argentina te deseo lo mejor. Me encantaria conocerte en persona y darte un gran abrazo pero me resulta imposible de momento. Te admire y te ame desde q me hiciste conocer a matilda con toda esa dulzura de niña. Saludos sara

[@sacriptex5870]

i suffer from depression, anxiety, fear, sometimes sadness... welcome you are human

[@andysuchanko8006]

I Wish that i Can meet She she look nice

[@Gabriel-ju1kg]

Beatifull

[@wiisalute]

she reminds me of Marie from breaking bad

[@MikeJ2023]

wiisalute she Reminds me of Matilda from Matilda.

[@mms7146]

in fact, you cant breath by your stomach because of the epiglotis that always guides the air to your lungs

[@ClauditaAlarcon]

My husband have OCD and he is in treatment but it's very hard to deal with it all the time not only for him but for the family too

[@EmilyFox]

I love this. I have never been able to find a way to breathe that helps my anxiety, but this kind of does. I'm sure it will take practice but I will definitely keep trying it. It's especially helpful coming from my childhood hero, knowing that she has gained strength and wants to share it. Thanks, Mara!

[@JacobChacko3008]

And i thought i had anxiety, depression ,OCD and ADHD....not to mention eating disorder too....and to add to all this ....drinking problem...my marriage didnt last more than 2 years because of these....

[@ProjectUROK]

You are not alone! We encourage you to reach out for help and find a treatment plan that works for you. If you need support text UROK to 741741 (Crisis Text Line) available 24/7.

[@therealtruthhurtsz]

Amazing and Proud to see that she has Grown Into such and Beautiful,Intelligent,Grounded,Well-Spoken women. Your amazing Mara. I too suffer from OCD,ANXIETY,AND DEPRESSION.

[@erickmal9]

where I can find the book ?

[@ProjectUROK]

+erick acuña Here's the link to pre-order Mara's book! www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/318758/where-am-i-now-by-mara-wilson/

[@Disney65Fan]

She will always be Nataile Hillard and Matilda to me.

[@lilykin88]

thanks mara!

[@ProjectUROK]

So glad you found this helpful!

[@TheRubberStudiosASMR]

Wow, this is amazing. I always wondered what happened to this actress- good to see she’s doing well.

[@rubyh.369]

Thank you Mara Wilson ☺❤

[@ProjectUROK]

So glad you found this helpful!

[@jaimim3675]

i would have anxiety attacks in the middle of my music lessons- and I play 5 instruments; so messing up as you do when you learn, that induced a LOT of attacks. It took me a year after a really paralyzing one to finally take control of my mind & spirit. i REALLY wish I'd had this then but every now & then I'll have during my university sessions- I'll definitely use this & read more into these methods.

[@Thelastjoka]

just read she is the cousin of ben shapiro lol

[@itsestefi]

I have done this excersie while on theraphy (anxiety and panic attacks related) and they really really 100% work! I have been feeling less anxious since. I think that if you're suffering from it this tips will help you a little bit. But I recommend you to seek help and good therapist someone who you can think of as your friend :)

[@7marchelosn7]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/hpOli5lpbquLf5I aqui en español..

[@ednahkarmen]

Loved the exercise! Very helpful! 👍 Mara is a very special and bright young woman ❤💛

[@mansitopinta]

Thank you so much. I have dealt with anxiety my whole life, it sucks. To me, it lead me to being a chain smoker. About 2 packs a day for about 3 years. I quit cold turkey 5 months ago, but the anxiety is still there and it doesnt go away. This excercise helped, thank you.

[@Th3BATWhoWinz83]

She is so beautiful...she doesn't know

[@alpur214]

I've watched three different videos on Mara Wilson and she just amazes me. I've suffered from depression for quite awhile, and this video is the first thing I've seen that's actually been helpful. But I've enjoyed the movies she was in as a kid, and she has blossomed into an incredibly intelligent and very attractive young woman. I could listen to her speak for hours.

[@jenniferwyatt7481]

First time I was confronted by my own anxiety was just moments before I needed to walk into the church for my cousins wedding. I seriously thought was having a heart attack or something... my heart was beating so fast i could feel it in throat.. then it felt as if someone was closing off the oxygen supply to my nose and mouth... my husband and kids had no idea what was going on - i got out of car and walked as briskly as I could down the block-just exclaiming..." gotta walk this off, gotta walk this off" and the further I walked the better I felt... the worst thing about anxiety or panic attacks .. well, there is no prediction on when & where... Many people know what stressed out feels like.. this is different... and you can do the exact same thing one day and be fine... then another day be in near paralysis ... (Ex. While getting ready to go to a holiday party amongst family & friends, I was standing in my closet looking for something to wear... all of a sudden... suffocation... both hands fell asleep... sweating... and my husband called out to me.. " c'mon.. we're going to be late" .. " you need to just finish up & let's go" You see.. those words are like flipping the switch on the electric chair to someone experiencing a panic attack.. Everyone thinks that you can stop, prevent, or change it... or if not.. take some Xanex... i dont take that stuff... or.. stop drinking caffeine.. or get some psychistric care.. or snap out of it..or work on confidence skills... or... worst case scenario.. they accuse you of being a drug addict...

[@davidtichborne2912]

I still have the movie Matilda and I still love playing the dvd game of it though although I really don't like the truly terrible test I've been struggling from anxiety depression and ptsd for a long time I was just diagnosed like 3 years ago but I've known about my depression for about 10 years now

[@StarlitSwamp]

Respect to her for daring to speak out about these very personal issues. I've suffered from depression in the past and from anxiety for most of my life as well, and they aren't an easy subject to talk about due to common misconceptions about mental health and the fear that people might judge you wrongly. I must say also that in all the videos I've seen of her, Mara seems to me like a smart person with insightful opinions, but also with a refreshing simplicity and I really like that about her. Here in particular, she appears very natural, keeping the focus of the video on its helpful purpose. Very appreciated.

[@magiccarp3710]

I fought my fear but my anxiety pushed me then my depression decided to help me handed me a knife and I killed my anxiety with help from my depression and then I gave my depression 1000 dollars to get its own apartment.

[@sdk6042]

the only thing that works for me is marijuana

[@phlash649]

Is this what telekinesis does to you

[@elUniversodeIngrid]

For me it is hopeful. As for anxiety I have stopped forcing myself to overcome fears, I am even trying to adapt to them. I try to go at my own pace and when it is born of my wanting to overcome a fear, then I take advantage of that inner power to jump. But if something frightens me, I leave it for example, now I am afraid of conventional work, that is why I aspire to have an independent job. Where I can move at my own pace. It bothers me when others tell me that I will not be able or that I have to overcome it or try to press me for my own good. I just want to be left alone. But on the other hand I want to feel happy, I cry a lot, a lot, I have everything but I am unhappy. But this particular video wow is so comforting that one is not alone.

[@whimsicalester2018]

Thank you to Mara Wilson for making this, I was having bad anxiety this morning and this really helped me calm down a lot.

[@crystinamarie1]

Thanks Mara. I suffer from generalized anxiety and I will give this a try.

[@LoretoLala]

Thank you for sharing this video! A month and a half ago I had my first Panic Attack and now i´m learning how to deal with that. I am so excited to learn about this breathing exercise and also to know I am not alone in this. Thank you and greetings from Chile!

[@michaelgill2105]

She's a Guardian Angel 👼 Among Saints like a Godsend to People and Young Kids that she inspires I hope I get the chance to meet her someday