Prior to the release of 2011’s “Goon,” which saw Seann William Scott play bouncer-turned-hockey-player Doug Glatt, the actor’s entire world was turned upside down when not only his father, but also five other family members, passed away within a two-year span. A self-described “positive and optimistic” person, Scott was anything but either of these after experiencing so many losses in such a short time. In fact, he questioned whether or not he’d ever feel joy again.
At first, Scott thought he could handle things on his own. He said on “Inside of You with Michael Rosenbaum,” “I always felt like, I don’t need to talk to anybody because I know I’m sad. What am I gonna repeat what I know?” However, he eventually realized that he was far from okay, and that he needed to speak to a professional. This decision turned out to be extremely beneficial. “I remember the first meeting with the grief counselor. It was healing, just that one meeting,” he said. “So I think it maybe takes, just for somebody who needs some help, that one experience.”
For Scott, it was helpful to share his feelings with an individual who had a completely unbiased perspective on his life. Now, he serves as an advocate for therapy, understanding firsthand the benefits and also why someone might feel shame or hesitancy before booking that first appointment. He’s helping others realize that, sometimes, they don’t have to cope with everything on their own.