Brett Goldstein has discussed his mental health struggles and how keeping a gratitude journal transformed his perspective on life.
The comedian and performer, recognised for portraying Roy Kent in the Apple TV comedy Ted Lasso, confessed he battled with depression prior to achieving fame through the series, and attributed his changed mindset to writing down things he appreciated each day.
Goldstein, who is 46, stated that his therapist instructed him to compile a daily list of ten occurrences from that day for which he felt thankful.
He clarified that identifying positive aspects proved challenging at first.
He noted that during the early stages of severe depression, the instinctive response was that there was nothing to be grateful for. However, the requirement was to document ten items. Simple entries such as noting that the sun was shining counted as one. The approach began with very modest observations. After thirty consecutive days of this practice, his brain had essentially been conditioned to seek out favourable elements, and he found himself capable of listing one hundred items. He declared himself the most fortunate individual alive and expressed that everything was extraordinary.
Goldstein observed that his entire outlook shifted after merely a few weeks of maintaining the journal.
He mentioned that the practice genuinely transformed him, establishing new neural pathways and whatever other mechanisms were involved. The ability to search for positivity exists within anyone. Recognising good fortune constitutes a genuine skill requiring consistent effort. He acknowledged not always succeeding at it and still experiencing low periods. Nevertheless, gratitude proved beneficial.
Brett Goldstein considers preconceptions surrounding male emotional behaviour
Goldstein also contemplated traditional expectations regarding masculinity and the display of emotions, acknowledging he had absorbed particular ideas about male conduct during his upbringing.
He recalled believing firmly from childhood that men should suppress their emotional responses. However, as he matured, his interactions with women demonstrated that occasional displays of vulnerability produced favourable outcomes. He realised he had been absorbing misguided messaging about appropriate male behaviour.
Goldstein discussed a fitness professional he engaged with while in New York.
He described his New York-based trainer as a competitive bodybuilder, with photographs displayed on the premises showing him in peak physical condition. The trainer made an observation that men responded positively to certain displays while women responded negatively. Goldstein observed that numerous situations exist where individuals lack genuine understanding and simply act according to their perception of expected norms.
Beyond his Ted Lasso characterisation, Goldstein has featured in the romantic comedy Office Romance opposite Jennifer Lopez, the 2024 production All Of You, and the television programme Shrinking.
His accomplishments include two Emmy Awards for outstanding supporting actor in a comedy, received in 2021 and 2022 for his work on Ted Lasso.
The complete conversation appears in the September edition of Men’s Health UK.