Meet David Schilling... Actor, Author, and Photographer
May 21, 2022
David Schilling, is an actor by trade, and a passionate photographer. He created a photography series dedicated to mental health, and wrote a book about his own mental health challenges. Today he is recovering from a serious case of burnout, rediscovering what brings him joy, and is prioritizing his photography career.
What kind of work do you do?
I work in retail currently, but train dogs and take photos for people as well. A Jack of all trades, master of none- better than a master of one.
You openly talk about your struggle with mental health, something that I believe should be a regular conversation, because we all have mental health and we need to learn how to care for it. Tell us about you journey.
I started my mental health journey back in 2017 and in 2018 I found the love of my life. We were set to be engaged, but she lost her battle with depression in August of 2018. Surviving that cliff pushed me into the world of advocating for mental health, and for myself. I suffer from 'hard to treat' depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Think of getting physically hurt from a bad memory- that's how PTSD affects me. Anxiety is like explosions going off around me, because I forgot a work key in my pocket. Which then triggers my depression making me feel like the biggest failure, and the world is better without me.
In 2019, just before the pandemic took over in China and then the world, I hosted a book release near my late Fiance's house. I am looking for ways to incorporate art into events surrounding mental health. I have a few ideas, I just need to put my secrets together.
What do you wish people new about mental illness?
That it's not about 'picking ourselves up' or 'fake it until you make it'. It's like Groundhog day, but for the worst feelings you've ever felt in your life. I can only speak for the challenges I face, but as an example: when I feel happy, I look for my fiance. I remember that she's not around, which leads to a PTSD trigger. I start to panic, which causes my heart to race and triggers an anxiety attack. I need to excuse myself from where I am and the shame and embarrassment of that episode triggers my depression and I need to leave wherever I was. This all happens in a matter of seconds. I can't "just snap out of it", my brain is wired differently.
How do you think society could better improve to accommodate and support better mental health?
Teaching it as a part of health class would be a start. Removing the stigma around therapy, and medications, and even just talking about how you feel. Too many people, males especially, don't speak up about their feelings and it can cause a catastrophic mental collapse.
You are a published author, tell us all about your book!
My book, Surviving Suicide, is a small glimpse into the decline of my mental health. It's very unscientific, as I don't have numbers. There are no names to the people in the book except for one. Rachelle. She's my late fiancé and is the only one deserving of a name.
What inspired you to write it?
It started as a journal entry: "I wasn't always a hollow shell of a man". That line just stuck with me, so I expanded on it, and then expanded on that and by the time I was finished I had the blueprint of my book.
What did you enjoy most about the writing process?
There wasn't a whole lot to enjoy about the process to be honest. It was very painful, and VERY triggering for me to relive the hardest parts of my life, and put them down with emotional accuracy. It was after the book was finished and published that I felt a huge weight lifted. Some of the guilt and the burdens I had carried for so long seemed to lessen, and that was when I started to enjoy the process.
What was the most exciting moment after it was published?
I knew I would get some sales, so that wasn't too exciting. Even the ratings that were so lovely were written by people I know. By far the most exciting moment was when a nurse bought 20 copies to hand out to some of her patients. THAT was when my jaw hit the floor!
What do you hope readers will takeaway?
Two things really, as there are going to be two main types of people reading this book: Those with mental health challenges, and those without.
For those without mental health challenges, I hope they get a better understanding of how heavy mental health can be. That it's not just about being sad all the time. It's feeling like you are hurting those around you. It's the 'devil shoulder' always winning.
For those with mental health challenges, I hope they realize they are not alone. I hope they can relate to the emotions I go through during certain parts, and I hope they can see that there is ALWAYS a little bit of light. You can't cast a shadow without a light source.
What inspired you to get started with your photography as an entrepreneur?
I was doing some acting, and the directors of the production asked me if I had a camera. I had just got one, and they hired me on a whim to shoot for them. Things snowballed and my love of photography grew. I've shot weddings, and family photos, and animals, and sunsets. Out of everything I've shot, working with people is my favourite. I love helping people see themselves the way I see them, and there's no better way to do that than with photos.
What was your biggest struggle to get things going for your business?
Getting people to take me seriously, especially my friends. Many people absolutely love my photography work when it's free, but as soon as they have to pay a small fee, I get ghosted.
Was there a time you thought about giving up? What kept you from quitting?
Oh all the time. It's hard to keep going when you're battling your mental health, and have seemingly zero support from people. BUT there are those few who watch from the shadows who reach out like a guardian angel when things get tough and give me the right words to keep me going.
What have you learned since beginning?
I've learned tons, mostly about myself. All my weaknesses when it comes to photography and business especially, comes from my views of self, and what I see as affirmations from others.
What’s the best advice you’ve received?
Shoot a little dark. Color looks better when it's shot dark
What advice would you give someone just starting out?
Never be afraid to ask for help. Whether it's a new way to shoot, edit, or purely art based, you will always find something new to learn if you are willing to ask for help and to listen.
What’s the professional win you’re most proud of?
I've been a professional in many different fields in my life, but the one thing I am VERY proud of is having a magazine reach out to directly asking to use some photos for publication
Is there a book you’d recommend to help with success and personal development?
No. Unfortunately I don't retain information off a page nearly as well as from a human being. So I will always talk to someone in person over a book.
Do you have a routine that you attest to your success? If yes, what is it?
I don't consider myself successful by any means. BUT routines are key. Start very small and build a routine of one thing that you can easily build on. But you HAVE to be forgiving should things not work out the way you want.
How has social media played a factor in your success?
My entire career is based on social media. All my networking is done there. I am in the process of taking myself to a website, so I can ease off my social media for mental health's sake.
What is the business tool that’s been most helpful?
Calendars. Putting things down into a calendar, so you can understand how much time you have in the day, but also you can set your own rest and recover times if need be.
Is there something you wish everyone knew?
You are loved and important! No matter how long you've had people in your life, if they don't help you feel loved and important, let them leave, and fill the space with someone who does.
What’s coming up for you in the next few months?
I am working on a feature film script, and working hard on my website. I have a crazy idea for a bodypaint photo shoot, but it's going to take some preparation!
What has being successful taught you?
I don't consider myself successful by any means, so humility? I think no matter who you are or how successful you become, you should always be willing to help someone up when they fall, or be really nice to your server.
What are some fun facts about you?
I used to coach gymnastics, DJ weddings, Dog train, and act in a web-series, all at the same time!
How can our readers get in touch with you?
Instagram is the best way to get a hold of me:
www.instagram.com/chilling.with.schilling
Or email:
[email protected]
*Some clickable media, usually the book recommendations, are affiliate links, and should you choose to buy through using those links then The Infinite Power of You Inc. may earn an affiliate payout commission. This is at no additional expense to you, and helps keep this blog going.
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