Linnea Leino, a Finnish actress, recalls her past struggles with depression and how therapy has helped her understand that overwhelming feelings are temporary, all while performing in a comedic role that requires immediate audience feedback.
Linnea Leino, a 32-year-old actress, currently portrays the cunning daughter of a bank manager in the farce 'Komedia pankkiryöstöstä' at the Helsinki City Theatre. Her work in the comedy demands precise timing, as the success of a joke is often reliant on fleeting seconds and the audience's immediate reaction. Leino expresses the pressure of being present and aware on stage, revealing the challenges of eliciting laughter from the audience in unpredictable moments.
Reflecting on her journey over the past five years, Leino contrasts her current success with a time when she battled severe depression. In her earlier days, she maintained an appearance of happiness while internally struggling, often crying on the floor for hours but forcing herself to attend press events. This façade created a disconnect between her true self and the public persona she had to uphold, making it difficult for others to perceive her emotional pain.
Through therapy, Leino has learned valuable lessons about the temporary nature of overwhelming feelings, helping her to navigate the complexities of mental health while continuing to excel in her comedic performances. Her story sheds light on the importance of mental health awareness, particularly within the high-pressure environment of live theatre, where immediate feedback can significantly influence an artist's experience and performance.
