Mental Health Challenges for Child Actors: Finn Wolfhard’s Reflections

Mental Health Challenges for Child Actors: Finn Wolfhard’s Reflections

Finn Wolfhard, now 22, has opened up about his experiences as a child actor in the hit Netflix series “Stranger Things.” The actor, who portrayed Mike Wheeler throughout the show’s four seasons, recently shared insights into the pressures he faced during his early career. In an interview with TIME, Wolfhard recalled a particularly challenging moment on set where he experienced a panic attack.

The Pressure of Public Attention

Wolfhard, along with fellow child actors Millie Bobby Brown, Noah Schnapp, Caleb McLaughlin, and Gaten Matarazzo, became overnight sensations after the show’s debut. At just 13 years old, he was thrust into the spotlight, a position that can be both exhilarating and overwhelming for young performers.

“It was incredible and subconsciously terrifying to be 13 and, all of the sudden, everyone knows who you are,” Wolfhard said in his interview. The actor’s experience highlights the unique challenges faced by child actors, who often have to navigate public scrutiny while still developing their personal identities.

A Panic Attack on Set

During filming for Season 4 of “Stranger Things” in 2022, Wolfhard encountered a moment where external pressures came to a head. He described it as a scenario where he was “halfway through a scene” when he began hyperventilating due to “normal first-relationship struggles and juggling COVID.” The actor noted that the presence of fans among extras made the environment feel like a “fishbowl,” intensifying his anxiety.

Wolfhard’s panic attack was not an isolated incident. His co-stars Caleb McLaughlin and Gaten Matarazzo also acknowledged feeling similar pressures, providing each other with support during this difficult time on set.

Learning to Advocate for Himself

The experience of experiencing a panic attack at 13 taught Wolfhard valuable lessons about self-advocacy. He reflected that he “didn’t know how to speak up for himself” or ask for breaks, noting this was common among child actors in similar situations.

Wolfhard suggested that if he could go back in time, he would “directly put myself into therapy.” However, he acknowledged that even with professional help, the pressures of his early career might still have led to mistakes. He believes childhood is a period of trial and error, emphasizing that he does not regret his experiences but recognizes their impact on his personal development.

A Turning Point in His Career

As “Stranger Things” enters its final season, Wolfhard finds himself at a career crossroads. Currently filming the fifth and final season, which wraps up production this December, he is considering whether to pursue dating given his demanding schedule.

The actor shared that staying single right now might be a deliberate choice to focus on his work. He mentioned that with the current rate of travel and workload, “it’s not the time” for him to date.

This decision reflects both practical considerations and a conscious effort to prioritize his career during this crucial period.

The premiere of Volume 1 on November 26 marks the beginning of the final chapter in “Stranger Things,” with subsequent volumes and the finale following closely. As fans eagerly anticipate the conclusion, Wolfhard’s reflections offer a poignant reminder of the human cost behind the scenes of such successful television franchises.