Suranne Jones on I Am Victoria and Mental Health Issues | Happy Place Podcast

Suranne Jones went through a lot the last few years: her mother passed away shortly after the birth of her son and her father died last January after fighting Covid-19.
In this chat, Suranne Jones speaks to Fearne about the deeply personal inspiration behind the character of Victoria, how she used her own battles with anxiety and depression to bring the story to life and her own experience of mental health.
Suranne Jones opens up about her battle with her own demons, and the importance of talking about mental health in all its aspects, whether it's going to therapy or taking medication.
What did you think of this week's episode? Is there anything that resonated with you? What do you think we can all do on our part to normalise talking about mental health?
Suranne Jones is an English actress and producer. She has garnered fame for playing the role of Ruth Slater in the miniseries 'Unforgiven', Detective Rachel Bailey in the police procedural drama 'Scott & Bailey', and GP Gema Foster in the medical drama 'Doctor Foster.' At the moment, Suranne Jones portrays Victoria in Channel 4's I Am Victoria, a woman who appears to have a perfect life, but the pressure she feels is becoming unbearable.
I Am Victoria is available to watch now on All4.
Follow Suranne Jones on Instagram: / suranne_jones
You can pre-order Fearne’s new book Speak Your Truth here: amzn.to/2HwAkek
Listen to the Happy Place podcast here podfollow.com/happyplace or you can watch it on KZbin here: bit.ly/3pSerHr
ABOUT HAPPY PLACE
Fearne's HAPPY PLACE is a place to celebrate honesty, authenticity and community. Fearne delves into life, love, loss and everything in-between by chatting to inspiring individuals who have made a change in their own lives or help other people to find different ways of seeing life as she reveals what happiness means to them.
Happy Place is a space that is safe for all where difference is celebrated and the extraordinary is discovered. A place to focus on the positives and to help you find the joy every day - big or small.
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ABOUT FEARNE COTTON
Fearne Cotton is an English television and radio presenter, mother, broadcaster, writer and founder of Happy Place, a place where Fearne holds difficult but important conversations to encourage self-care and self-appreciation, creating a positive impact on the world, giving everyone a voice and actively listening.
CONNECT WITH FEARNE COTTON
Instagram: / fearnecotton
Facebook: / fearnecotton
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#FearneCotton #SuranneJones #happyplacepodcast #MentalHealth #mentalhealthawareness #interview #anxietyrelief #grief

[@fearnecotton]

What did you think of this week's episode? Is there anything that resonated with you? 🙂 What do you think we can all do on our part to normalise talking about mental health? 💚

[@dotcownie4904]

Inspiring due to the raw honesty and genuine friendship and empathy for each other x thank you both

[@hermygutierrez9672]

Informative beyond 😌

[@sazzlepop190]

Utterly inspiring. The part where you talk about life feeling “loud” really resonated. Shows how the way we describe mental health can impact our understanding of it. Thank you ❤️ xxx

[@allaniain]

What an inspiring conversation. I loved it not just because of Suranne's honesty in sharing her mental health struggles but also because of you Fearne, listening and letting her speak her truth without interrupting - something you don't see a lot of these days on podcasts or interviews. It was a very important and raw moment and that is something we could all learn from when anyone we know wants to share their thoughts and feelings with us. What needs to happen to normalise talking about mental health is that we need to try to view being on medication as a positive and not a negative thing, as is often portrayed. It's not just up to the person taking the medication that can help move the needle, if someone comes to you and you respond with empathy and support without judgement, then the more willing people would be to talk and ask for help if needed 💕

[@roulikumari2194]

P

[@ADifferentVibe]

Love how raw and honest Suranne is in this interview. Such a lovely actress and woman.

[@PhoebeFayRuthLouise]

I thought I couldn’t respect and love Suranne more than I already did, but I was wrong. I felt “seen” by Suranne through her portrayal of Gentleman Jack, especially as she talked about how important it was to get that representation right. Today I have the great privilege of listening in on this beautiful conversation, and I am astounded by the courage Suranne shows! What a truly wonderful human being she is! I feel “seen” again, this time by Suranne herself, as I relate to so much of what she says! The anxiety, the therapy, the meds, the not good enough…on and on! I feel less alone than I did an hour ago, and I’m tremendously grateful for that!

[@laraaf1408]

Wow, this conversation was.... so powerful! This woman is so strong and so inspirational. I don't know if she was aware of how much this conversation can help. Years ago I also had a taboo on going to therapy, and now I see it as a global necessity. Thank you Suranne, and thank you Fearne, You made my day discovering this conversation.

[@alligatortearstns]

I wanna hug Suranne Jones so much, there's so much pressure in young age (I am 23) to be in parties and night clubs and I am simply CAN'T deal with drunk people around, I don't drink and I don't wanna go to bars and clubs, I just wanna be at home and safe and cook to my partner or a friend and have a nice chat or listen to music and I saw myself so many times thinking if I am boring or I don't fit in society. I also panic so many times in undergraduate thesis reunions, in seminars, interviews cos I wanna be perfect and I am afraid of going wrong, it is very important to look for help really. I am feeling embraced listening to this conversation. Thank you. ♥

[@designerproductions]

God, I adore Suranne and her openness about mental health makes me feel so much better about my own struggles

[@salsmith1323]

Me too.

[@janechoy2073]

Thank you to Fearne, and to Suranne Jones's generosity, courage, honesty and grace in sharing her personal experiences with the world for the greater good of bringing to light the importance of managing mental health and the different stressors in life. Discussions and acknowledgment on mental health still come with a stigma, so having public figures like Suranne and Olympic athletes using their platforms positively to address this head on - will help elevate every person and normalize the treatment of mental health conditions. Thank you both for this.

[@kateforster1868]

I’ve loved this! Suranne’s strength in her vulnerability was beautiful to watch and listen too. Thank you too you both ❤️

[@listersister6697]

This was amazing. This interview spoke to me so much. Suranne please take care of yourself physically and mentally. You bring so light and joy.

[@shutterant]

@Suranne: Your performance was utterly incredible. It felt real, it felt raw. It was intense! I cam away from it feeling quite emotional. I almost laughed at the pillow scene because that's how I often feel at home. I spend all that time cleaning to make a nice home environment and then someone else messes it up by not doing what I expect of them! @Fern: Thank you for this very frank discussion. Whilst I was watching I Am Victoria, I kept on thinking to my self “What's wrong? What's the problem? If you just showed me we, maybe we can fix it?” On reflection, I feel that I reacted in a very one-dimensional way to seeing Victoria's breakdown. It's never just one thing that can be fixed, but a multitude of issues that compact and compound and in the end require many layers of attention. Brilliant! We need more drama like this on TV to show people that they are not alone.

[@lindsayhodges1928]

This is extraordinary from both of you. I had watched I Am Victoria when it first aired and I’m not sure I’ve ever seen a more powerful, intense and authentic performance. It was haunting. I have come to this podcast after watching Vigil and again being impressed by Suranne’s great work. What strikes me now is that there are so many aspects to Amy’s character that resonate with how you both describe the complexities of compartmentalising aspects of your lives and how to manage all those separate things to find a balance for your own well-being. I feel that Suranne brought so much of herself to the role of Amy, just as she does in so many characters. And in listening to all you are both saying here, I hope that there was some healing somehow for Suranne within that role of Amy expressing and then coming to terms with those different conflicts. Incredibly brave, incredibly moving. This isn’t just acting, this is absolutely portraying real life struggles and that’s why shows like this are so compelling. Suranne, I think you are incredibly special in all you do. And Fearne, your own courage and honestly continues to s inspire. Thank you both so much. Xx

[@lynnchaplin1366]

This conversation saved lives. Thank you Suranne and Fern

[@mahimanair1804]

Listening to this made me so emotional. You both ladies are so Brave and I loved listening to you both talking about such an issue 🥰🥰

[@lcd137]

What an absolutely brilliant interview Fearne.. Suranne is such an animated person and her honesty is so refreshing …So many points resonated with me!, Thanks to you both!👍👍💕💕

[@Ladybirdpaint]

Artists and empaths (often one in the same) are highly sensitive beings and we often think we should be so tough and strong when in reality we are tough strong sensitive and vulnerable which makes us humans incarnating to evolve and help the planet. Life is hard -i think we need to cut ourselves some slack and remind ourselves we are doing the best with what we know, day to day. In AA they say "progress not perfection"..that is so right on! Thank you both for your authenticity.

[@joannelyn]

We need to be having these kinds of dialogue, especially in the world we live in today. In my teens/20's, a therapist and I were talking about the way there are sub-sections of society who form opinions on us, based on first impressions. I remember a remark he made about the choices we make regarding appearance. About the way it can make an impression on some people. At that time in my life, I was aghast to imagine that I'd chosen a pretty top, a pair of low heels, or a type of makeup - for anything but my own taste. An example of the way it's imperative that we champion a healthy sense of self in our children, but that we are also aware of the inequalities of growing up in this world

[@Ladybirdpaint]

It is perfectly fine to be on blood pressure meds for a problem with the body but somehow it isn't okay for a medication for the mind--! Medications have been a game changer for me at times in my life. I am proud of the fact that I got the help.

[@toto-ov9sb]

I believe it's important for me to give myself permission to be ok with whatever it is that I am feeling and not judge myself for it. What other people think of it may be important to them but it does not belong to me. I get myself in trouble when I give more value to what other people are thinking then to whatever it is that I am feeling and that is when the judgments become hurtful. I end up surrendering my power and inner self to the external forces, whether they be societal, family or work expectations and that is the perfect formula for anxiety and depression that is so common among us women. Like Suranne said among other things sometimes we just have to put our foot down and stand with our own inner power. Sometimes I am not strong enough to do it in the moment and that's ok. I have the right to come back to it and affirm myself and aknowledge that there is room for vulnerability. Communication is the key. Good chat, cheers.

[@loisrobinson4794]

Thank you both for this brilliant podcast! I'm a counselor in the US and so appreciate all you both have said about mental health. I'm a huge fan of Suranne Jones and I'm incredibly thankful you have used your platform to promote therapy and the reality of being a woman in today's culture. Once again, thank you both. Excellent work! WOW!! I just watched a 10minute clip of I Am Victoria! Absolutely Amazing performance by Suranne Jones. I am stunned by her brilliant performance! Well Done!

[@margaretodoherty9711]

What a wonderful and candid conversation, as a sufferer of depression and doing well because I've faced it and dealt with its effects . Surane I'm a huge fan of your work , it doesn't matter who you are and what your profession is depression doesn't discriminate but facing it and speaking about and not feeling guilty when your not at your best and take the time to rest your mind and body .Thank you both for this podcast ❤

[@janinem5196]

Important topic for everyone, universally. Gets very much to the heart of our shared humanity in these bizarre times. SJ is courageously truthful... and that makes her inspirational.

[@lindadownes5852]

Brilliant such a lovely interview. I am 64 and only wish somebody could show me I was not the only one feeling like this when I was 40.x

[@Julie-hy2my]

Suranne is a beautiful soul, such an inspiration! Thank you for the intw

[@lilcamper1]

Great interview! Suranne is truly one of the great actors of our time.

[@TheLucyblades]

This was amazing, I watched the programme but this adds so much. Thank you for sharing/uploading it.

[@dianelake8646]

This is such a blessing, and heartfelt, and most of all. this is so needed I just wish I could have this years ago this knowledge and compassion that you and Suranne gave of yourselves..It is life-changing in so many. ways being so open and authentic has helped me see the big picture in getting the. help instead of being stuck in the depression I wish you both all the love and joy that you both deserve for all. that you both do

[@marigoldsterling4748]

Oh my heart! Thankyou for sharing this honest, vulnerable, beautiful conversation. Thankyou for representing the challenges that we all face in this human life, because we all feel the fear, the pressure, the not-enough-ness on some level. I have always thought Suranne seemed like an absolute darling, and I appreciate her sharing her experiences so genuinely. I really love when Suranne said she is figuring out "how I'm going to be more me"...something I will ponder X

[@16Elless]

Love Suranne, definitely one of my favourite actors. I am Victoria was brilliant & I’m sure many of us could relate on some level to what was happening for her. It’s good that mental health isn’t quite the taboo it once was, I mean we all have it just as we have physical health but I think so many people have low self worth & self esteem for a million different reasons. I’m much older than you two & I’ve long since stopped caring what anyone thinks of me but I’ve never quite cracked the self worth & self love thing which is often on the floor. Working on it & trying to get into meditation. Podcasts help too! Keep up the great work Fearne.

[@mariaemiliadiaz797]

Thank you Suranne for sharing your experience. It's very important talk about mental health.

[@emmajay8005]

I never comment. I had to. You are both inspirational and this is such a great thing that you are doing. Thank you

[@kirstingoodyer7209]

What a fantastic episode, thank you to both of you for such honest and completely relatable conversations. I’m still very much at the start of my journey with coming to terms with my mental health needs. Looking forward to watching I Am Victoria

[@crisdelgado1008]

A friend got me hooked on you just today! I love love love this conversation. So rich with being real and uncovering all the ways we can get lost in the outside world-,forgetting about who is really important and why. 💝💖❣️💋

[@user-pn8cq2wy3o]

What a great conversation and you are both very comfortable with each other!!!

[@nitsacohen5287]

Bravo, you're so brave, You made a terrific and phenomenal performance i'am sure all your fans and me are behind you. You are not alone, we all love you ❤️❤️❤️👍👍👍🥰🥰🥰

[@richardtaylor2449]

Thank you for this Suranne is amazing my favourite actress 💕💕💕

[@user-xd9gv8zp7w]

Very honest and inspirational discussion of two empowering people. Stay strong 👍

[@Janeylou70]

Thanks to you both for sharing so much. You're right just hearing others talk about their difficulties does help. It doesn't stop our struggles but it seriously helps. Not feeling alone is so important and us weirdo humans need to keep being reminded of this. Thank you to you both x

[@elenafiandri75]

Thank you so much girls for this powerful and liberating conversation. Everyone should listen to it. Love you

[@leeannehealey4669]

Such an amazing podcast between you both, as a person suffering with loneliness surrounding mobility issues and my mental health having an awful tumble at the min, this podcast has left me smiling on the inside, just to know you pair of legends can vocally explain what people suffer is amazing, and if I am smiling and brave enough to comment then seriously the amount of people you are reaching is deffo mindblowing thankyou both so much for todays smile.

[@elizabeththomson2222]

it's a great drama, she's such a great actress, lov all dramas she does

[@crossingchill4486]

Thank you so much for sharing this conversation. I was on my bed just ah hour ago and I knew I had something in my head but I couldn't quite figure it out. So I watched this videochat and it got me a lot of things to think about and pulled out my brain a lot of those things about me that I was looking for. So, thank you again for sharing and I hope that there will be every year more and more people who will talk about mental health just like you did: like if it is a normal thing to talk about (because it is). 😊

[@TheMrsnikkisixx]

Thank you Fearne and Suranne. Bless you both... Suranne, you've overcome so much, and Fearne (as usual) you've helped me no end.

[@maythiritun5995]

What a brilliant? This was Great! Suranne is a beautiful soul, such an inspiration! Thank you. Love you, Suranne!😘

[@jacquelinehubbard7194]

Thank you both for making this, very nice to see you both being so honest, definitely things I can reasonate with :)

[@suzannethompson6075]

This was such a great conversation. Thank you ♡

[@cordyshort1400]

Fantastic conversation thanks, helps so much.

[@00markelliott00]

Great honesty. Respect.

[@LizzieMc]

These pair could be sisters! 💕

[@eleanorfrain1759]

Loved it! I am both of you. I need to figure out some Me time

[@angiehazelaar]

Thank you thank you thank you, strong, beautiful women, inside and out

[@alastairboocock3405]

Great stuff, well done 👍

[@dj331]

Wonderfull actress and person

[@marymcgregor5950]

Very empowering. X

[@lisatritico8274]

She shouldn’t worry about being on meds. That’s nothing to be ashamed of. That’s why they were made. To help you.

[@robertarichiero2886]

Amazing

[@niacummings5649]

💗

[@rosarioacton2377]

❤

[@sharonrenzulli9941]

Take the spiritual path with the Buddha

[@sandrawhelan9159]

Why do you think everyone is looking at you? People are more concerned about how they look themselves . However I suppose being an actor it does go with the territory , but that is your choice , nobody else’s.so glad I’m not famous, I can’t live up to anyone standards but my own and be me.Thats the most important thing to be oneself.

[@snoopybollox1485]

This series just points out that Women of which the majority are nutcases need help...

[@alifuller9224]

Don't be intimidated by powerful women. It's OK to live amongst awesome, strong females. Get well soon.

[@snoopybollox1485]

@@alifuller9224 thank you ☺