Aglaia Szyszkowitz: “Coming down scared me”

As a radiant actress, she is known and appreciated in countless film roles. From the summer of 2022, when everything is different and she “From the role” was, writes Aglaia Szyszkowitz candidly in her book of the same name. The native of Graz was in a psychosomatic clinic in the Allgäu for three and a half weeks. “I no longer felt myself or my body”she looks back. “Coming down scared me”which paralyzed her. “I sat like a rabbit in front of the queue and didn’t even dare to go shopping anymore.”

She describes it honestly and unvarnished “the oppressive feeling of being completely overwhelmed that dominated me for a long time. Even though from the outside I certainly had an enviable life, a wonderful family and a privileged job, I was in despair.” A separation, changes, the departure of her adult sons, the menopause – her crisis had several faces, which she names as well as painful admissions “that I was extremely dependent on other people”.

The insights into the job she loves are also personal: “When I play, a magic falls on the world for me, then everything becomes more beautiful, lighter and rosier, then time stands still.” She also addresses the downside, the uncertainty – “everything can change at any time” – but also the pressure to always look good.

The mother of two also has her say: “The love for my two sons has a power that surpasses everything else.” In addition to a personal account of a crisis, her book is also an encouragement to seek professional help. And last but not least, a grateful tribute to family, friends and companions.

• Aglaia Szyszkowitz: “From the role – How I rediscovered the love of life”Molden, 191 pages, 28 euros
• On November 29th, 6.30 p.m., A. Szyszkowitz reads at Thalia Linz, Landstraße 41, 3rd floor, free entry