‘The Bachelor”s Joey Graziadei reveals mental health resources available to him while filming: ‘We have great doctors who are there to talk to’

Cue and A

by Nicole Gallucci

Longtime members of Bachelor Nation have probably noticed the changes in Season 28. bachelorthanks to the cast’s immense vulnerability, empathy, and willingness to have tough but important conversations.

Since night one, the women who arrived at the Bachelor Mansion have openly shared their complex and formative backstories, ranging from health issues like Lyme disease, hearing loss, and endometriosis to unconventional family relationships and past experiences. They discuss everything from relationships to the death of a loved one. But 28-year-old star Joey Graziadei also had his share of refreshingly honest moments in front of the camera, as he had an emotional heart-to-heart with producers in episode six, tearfully confessing his personal fears and anxieties. I’ve experienced it.

When asked how difficult it is to share that side of herself with others, Graziadei told Decider over Zoom, “I think it’s harder to look back on than it is to share it.” Ta. “I think anyone who knows me, whether it’s my friends or my family, knows how open I am about my emotions, especially later in life. That’s who I am. I love opening up to my loved ones and talking about how I’m feeling, but when I film it on camera and look at it again, it always looks a little different.”

It’s rare to see a franchise’s main character share such a personal inner monologue. It not only shows deep introspection and honesty, but also reveals deep self-doubt, fear of rejection, and strong emotional intelligence. However, Graziadei has been gradually breaking down the American barrier since competing on Charity Lawson’s season. bacheloretteSo his refreshing approach to this season should come as no surprise.

“I think I just tried to be honest and transparent. It’s always hard to explain why you have that kind of anxiety. And I think I’m still working on it every day. But they are there,” Graziadei said. “That’s because I’ve been on this show and it hasn’t worked out in the past. I think a lot of people think every day, ‘Why doesn’t it work out?’ Does that mean there’s something wrong with me?” And being your biggest critic — anyone who knows me will tell you number one that I’m my biggest critic. After the Montreal episode, people I think they obviously recognize that.”

The need for mental health resources that contestants have access to has been a topic of discussion for years when it comes to reality TV, with popular shows such as: love is blind The show has recently come under fire following allegations from contestants of mistreatment on set, lack of mental health support, and “inhumane working conditions.” Graziadei believes mental health care for the reality cast is important and told Decider that she was grateful to have had sufficient resources while filming the emotional season.

“We are lucky [The Bachelor] That we have people who can help us through that process. “We have great doctors who talk to us about mental health, and I think that’s important,” he explained. “I think sometimes in today’s world, this topic can be a little bit taboo, and I’m learning more and more how much it helps me to have those conversations. I think it’s important in an environment like this. There are difficult situations that are difficult to overcome. So it’s very important to have someone to help you get through it. I appreciate it. And so do women. I know it is.”

As the Grazia Dei women’s group reveals their life stories each week, some viewers take to social media to complain about “trauma dumping,” or the act of immediately sharing traumatic experiences with others. Some people say What Season 28’s protagonists want people to take away from heavy conversations is instead, “How much courage does it take for women to be able to share that?”

“I think that’s the most important thing. They’re in a unique position to get a platform to express what they’ve experienced, what made them who they are. And what’s great about this work is I think that means there are people who are watching it at home and can relate to it and understand it,” he said. “So it takes courage for them to get that platform and be honest and open.

“It takes a special kind of people to be able to do that. And I hope that people will focus on that above all else,” Graziadei concluded.

From Hometown Dates and Women Tell All specials to Fantasy Sweet Week and an “unprecedented” finale. bachelor The remaining episodes of Season 28 are sure to feature more graphic conversations between Grazia Dei and the remaining women, so be sure to tune in.

new episode of bachelor It airs Mondays from 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM ET and is available for next day streaming on Hulu.