‘Big Bang Theory’ Star Mayim Bialik Opens Up About New Struggles On Top of OCD and Depression

Mayim Bialik has shared her struggles with depression and obsessive compulsive disorder. She used her Big Bang Theory playform to raise awareness and partnered with the National Alliance on Mental Illness in 2016 to be a spokesperson against mental health stigmas. Now, she says she’s facing new mental health struggles during lockdown throughout the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Bialik appeared on The Kelly Clarkson Show via video chat on July 9. She spoke with Clarkson about how she is coping with some of the new struggles she’s facing in lockdown. 

Mayim Bialik has developed new stresses after ‘The Big Bang Theory’

Mayim Bialik may have expected to have some time off after The Big Bang Theory ended in its 12th season. She definitely did not expect to have as much time off as 2020 necessitated. The self-isolation is not without some struggles for her.

“I’m an introvert by nature which means I don’t mind being on my own and not really going out a lot, but the notion that that’s being chosen for me, it can feel really isolating,” Bialik said. “My temper’s been short. My sleep’s been weird. I started getting heartburn again. Those are all stress things for my body. I was talking with a girlfriend and even my lady cycle has felt more emotional during the quarantine. Everything is heightened.”

Mayim Bialik sees everyone manifesting different lockdown symptoms

Bialik’s symptoms could be unique to her, or some viewers may share some of hers. Bialik’s mother manifests the stress of lockdown in different ways.

“My mom has a pinched nerve in her back,” Bialik said. “She’s never had that before. I said, ‘We’re all stressed, we’re living in masks, we don’t know what tomorrow brings. The news is insane. The country is falling apart it feels like. It’s very stressful even for someone with zero history of mental health stuff. For those of us with OCD, there’s plenty of things to have new obsessions and compulsions about, I promise.’” 

It’s important to accept that it’s okay to feel this way

There is no quick fix for the feelings that months of lockdown are engendering. Bialik says it is important to accept that it’s normal to feel stressed.

“It’s definitely been a roller coaster,” Bialik said. “I’ve been very open and vocal about growing up with mental health challenges. That’s a continuing issue for many of us who struggle. Also, the notion that it’s okay to not be okay. That’s some of the messaging that NAMI tries to really spread the word about. I’m not going to sugar coat it. It’s been incredibly taxing for many of us, especially those of us who struggled before.”

Zoom is not always the answer

Perhaps if The Big Bang Theory had a 13th season, they would do an episode about Sheldon and the gang Zooming. In real life, Bialik acknowledges that Zoom meetings are stressful in and of thmemselves.

“You can only do so many Zoom meetings,” Bialik said. “You can only do so much. Even socializing, it’s not the same. You have to use your voice differently. You have to worry what I look like. I end up just staring at myself the whole time like why do I look like that? That’s not helpful either.”