Big Brother
צילום: ערוץ 2
Israel's ex-reality stars meet for group therapy
Former TV contestants meet weekly to discuss life after intense media coverage ends. 'They feel vulnerable after such exposure,' psychologist explains
A special therapy group has been opened specifically for Israel's reality TV 'casualties' in Tel Aviv, to help the former contestants adjust to life after the intense media coverage is over.
So far, five former reality stars have joined the group after appearing on Channel 10 and Channel 2 television reality shows. Their identity is protected as they meet twice a week to share their stories and exchange similar experiences with one another.
"There is a kind of depression that comes after such tremendous success, as the pendulum shifts from side to side for these people," explained psychologist Eitan Tamir, the group's guide. "The contestants were exposed to high ratings, and it's hard to understand the intensity and enthusiasm they received throughout that exposure – and their hurtful feelings the day after."
"The amount of exposure diminishes with time after the show is over, and people understand they won't stay celebrities for long. It's a tough feeling for them and the best way to deal with it is to go through it with people who have been through similar experiences," added Tamir.
Tamir said that once the show is over, "there is a very strong emotional climax and anti-climax. The contestants' illusions and dreams are shattered, their 15 minutes of fame are up, and now they must return to their normal lives."
Return to normal?
"These are people who are more inclined to suffer a narcissistic blow. They themselves wished to take part in a very revealing process, so they have big dreams and therefore there is a huge potential to get hurt," Tamir remarked. "They are usually young people, who now feel that their lives have been ruined. It's not true, of course, but as they see it – the dream is over."
Climax, anti-climax. Israel's 'The Voice' (Photo: Reshet)
Tamir founded the group after being approached by two former reality stars seeking his consultation. They were joined by three other contestants. According to Tamir, he did not approach former reality stars in regards to this initiative.
In recent years, a few reality-TV related tragedies occurred, including the suicide of "Project Y" contestant Yogev Brazilay in 2008. Some three months ago, another reality celeb, Gilad Perzinski, who appeared on Channel 2's "Shalosh" ("Three") killed himself.
Just last month, Saar Sheinfain, a finalist on the Israeli version of the reality show "Big Brother," filed a NIS 2.5 million (about $650,000) lawsuit against the show's production company "Kuperman Productions" and the show's psychiatrist Dr. Ilan Rabinovich, for allegedly forcing harmful psychiatric drugs on the contestants for ratings purposes.
"Hundreds of people have appeared on these shows in recent years," Tamir added. "And they all feel vulnerable after the media exposure."
"Some started taking psychiatric drugs following their downfall, but not during the shows. They were forced to take anti-depressants due to the loss they experienced when the shows ended. Their ability to work and love was hurt, as Freud said," he concluded.
