Mark Duplass Discusses Personal Battle with Depression and Advocacy for Mental Health

Mark Duplass, widely recognized for his role as Chip Black on the Apple TV+ series "The Morning Show," has recently opened up about his long-standing battle with mental health issues, including depression and anxiety. In a candid Instagram post from October 2023, Duplass revealed that he has struggled with these conditions for most of his life. He shared a smiling photo of himself alongside a heartfelt message, stating, "I have been struggling with anxiety and depression for most of my life... When I see pictures of myself like this one, I can see the fear and sadness behind the smile."

In an interview with ABC News' Whit Johnson aired on "Good Morning America" on June 18, 2025, Duplass elaborated on the unexpected response he received following his post. "It’s funny, I didn’t really see it as something super personal... I thought, you know, I’ll just share this feeling I had. And it was really the response that people had, particularly a lot of men, that made me realize men’s mental health in particular might not have been as destigmatized as I thought it was," he remarked.

Duplass has indicated that his mental health challenges began during his teenage years when he first experienced panic attacks. By his late twenties, the situation had become critical. "I had no skills with which to deal with it," he admitted. "And I really did, I thought this might be it for me. I might never be normal again."

Therapy and medication have played crucial roles in his recovery; however, Duplass emphasized that managing mental health requires more than clinical treatment. He underscored the importance of daily routines, stating, "I need to make sure I’m sleeping eight to nine hours a night. I need to make sure I’m getting really good exercise. I need to make sure I’m eating healthy, and for me, I needed to demystify the medication."

When asked about the potential impact of his openness regarding his mental health on his career, Duplass admitted that he initially harbored concerns. "I thought about it, you know. The last thing I would want is someone who’s considering hiring me for a job to think, like, 'Oh man, what happens if he shows up and he’s really depressed or anxious one day?'" He continued, "I just want to say very clearly, like there is no shame in this. I was so scared to tell people what I was dealing with, and once I did, it deepened all of my relationships and helped my professional career, and that’s something I didn’t anticipate."

Interestingly, Duplass noted that portraying Chip, a character frequently under stress, allows him to explore a version of himself lacking the mental health tools he has now. "Playing Chip on 'The Morning Show' is pure fun for me, because the good news is he’s way more stressed out than I am," he said. "Chip is basically me without my mental health systems and the medication and what that would feel like."

For those currently facing mental health challenges, Duplass offered a message of hope: "It’s gonna be OK. You’re probably feeling like there’s no way I’m ever going to be normal again. My life is ruined, but that fog is a lie. It’s not real. And you will rise above the fog, and it will lift."

In light of Duplass’ disclosure, experts have noted the importance of public figures sharing their mental health struggles. According to Dr. John Smith, a clinical psychologist at the University of California, Los Angeles, "When celebrities like Mark Duplass come forward, it encourages others to seek help and diminishes stigma surrounding mental health issues."

Mental health advocacy has gained momentum in recent years, with initiatives aimed at raising awareness and providing resources for those in need. Organizations such as the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and Mental Health America are pivotal in supporting individuals and families affected by mental illness.

As the conversation surrounding mental health continues to evolve, Duplass’ openness serves as a reminder of the power of vulnerability and the importance of community support in the journey toward mental well-being.