Aubrey Plaza opened up about her personal experiences with grief and loss during a tearful memorable appearance on Amy Poehler’s podcast that you should all listen to. The 41-year-old comic, known for her roles on “Parks and Recreation” and “The Little Hours,” shared her painful experience. She’s been dealing with losing her creative partner, Justin Baena, who died by suicide in January at 47. His death was first reported by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner.
As Plaza explained during the podcast, her grief has now become something that’s always with her. She likened it to a great white shark that is perpetually circling under one’s feet. She explained that this emotional toll is like “having an enemy that is always lurking, trying to get you. This frank admission reflects a constant struggle for the bereaved even decades later.
Even in pain, Plaza communicated a feeling of appreciation and energy for life. She shouted, “In this instant, I just love being here with you!” She was really grateful for the opportunity to meet Poehler and express her concerns. She acknowledged that while she is functioning, it remains a “daily struggle” to cope with the loss of her friend.
Photo: Steve Eberhardt Plaza had a chance to express her thanks in deeply moving terms. She expressed, “I guess my sense, ultimately, it’s like, I’m here, I’m alive. I’m very thankful to be continuing to walk through the world.” These expressions ring true with so many of us who are or have been in similar internal struggles.
The Black Swan actress’s candor throughout the Beyond the Scenes episode exposes a major stigma that still exists when it comes to discussing mental health. For those experiencing suicidal thoughts or other mental health crises, assistance is available 24 hours a day through the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by calling or texting 988. This free resource connects people and organizations with the help they need, when they need it most.
There’s a wonderful organic connection between Plaza and Poehler. Though they appeared together on “Parks and Recreation,” their deep friendship extends way past being on-screen partners. Her appearance on the podcast offered fans an intimate look at her current emotional state and the impact of loss on her life.
