Recently Steven Bartlett, the entrepreneur and Dragon’s Den investor interviewed renowned magician, Dynamo exposing a heartbreaking true story of why he disappeared from public view. The interview reveals how Dynamo’s biggest accomplishment was not escaping a cage or walking on water but escaping from his own demons and confronting his mental wellness. To listen to the interview on Bartlett’s podcast, The Diary of a CEO, you can click here.
Dynamo’s Mental Wellness Story
Dynamo, whose real name is Steven Frayne, is a well-known magician who has achieved global fame for his incredible illusions and magical feats. Despite his public success, Dynamo has been open about his personal struggles with Crohn’s disease, a chronic inflammatory bowel condition and how it affects his mental wellness. His journey with a chronic illness has likely posed significant physical and emotional challenges and his story highlights the fact that even individuals who appear to have glamorous lives can still face profound health challenges, demonstrating the importance of acknowledging and addressing health issues beyond the spotlight. The public persona of Dynamo, through his TV shows, is one of fun, glamour, world travel and hanging out with famous people and like many people it shows how people will often use situations and create illusions of an public facing world whilst actually covering up the real circumstances. Perhaps this is Dynamo’s biggest magic trick of all.
Magicians and Mental health
Online mental wellness magazine, Happiful, recently published a story based on research by Aberystwyth University suggesting that magicians and illusionists are less likely to experience mental health challenges than other people in the creative industries. The article explores potential factors contributing to this phenomenon, such as the structured nature of magic performances, the sense of control magicians have over their illusions and the positive reactions they receive from their audiences. The narrative emphasises the idea that the magical world provides a unique form of escapism and creative expression that may have positive effects on mental wellness.
The contrast between Dynamo’s personal story and the research in the Happiful article lies in the focus on different aspects of a magician’s life. Dynamo’s story emphasises the challenges he faces, particularly related to health and underscores the point that even those in glamorous professions may have hidden struggles. On the other hand, the Happiful story, based on the research, presents a more optimistic perspective, suggesting that magicians, as a group, may be less prone to mental health challenges due to the nature of their craft.
It’s essential to approach such claims critically and consider the broader context. Mental wellness and mental health overall is a complex and multifaceted issue influenced by various factors, including individual experiences, coping mechanisms, and societal pressures. Additionally, the field of mental health research is continuously evolving, and new insights may emerge over time.
If you feel affected by something similar or have concerns over your mental health or feel like you need someone to talk to, I offer a free 15 minute consultation for anyone looking to begin their therapy journey. If you would like to get in touch and find out more about my services, contact me for details.
About The Author
An experienced therapist, Jille Tringham is the owner of Meditate Place and has years of personal and industry expertise. Her unique therapeutic approach can offer long term release and the ability to cope with emotional issues that cause daily setbacks and uncertainty in your life. Jille Tringham has a number of years experience in human behaviour both in a commercial setting and as a therapist. She provides therapies from her Birmingham base to release you from your day to day challenges, as well as Life Coaching and Career Mentoring because she understands the physical and emotional strains that spill into all areas of life.
