What Jon Hamm said about his time in rehab is hugely important to progress the mental health discussion

Everyone knew that Don Draper needed therapy, but of course, the dude was too manly (aka out-of-touch) to ever consider it. But we’re very glad the actor who played him wasn’t. Jon Hamm opened up to Mr. Porter’s The Journal about his time spent in rehab for alcoholism during Mad Men‘s final season.

“It has all these connotations, but it’s just an extended period of talking about yourself, Hamm recently said of rehab.

“People go for all sorts of reasons, not all of which are chemically related. But there’s something to be said for pulling yourself out of the grind for a period of time and concentrating on recalibrating the system. And it works. It’s great.”

We love how non-apologetically he touts the benefits of therapy and/or rehab. No stigma needed here. Hamm is strong and sure of himself, as he should be, as we all should.

His first experience with therapy came at the age of 20, after his father had died, leaving Hamm an orphan. His sister convinced him to seek therapy, which he did, and has done ever since, whenever needed.

“I find it very helpful,” he says. “After I’d lost my dad, I had this horrible paralysing inertia – and no one in my family was capable of dealing with it. So what do you do? Go and see a professional. I preach it from the mountaintops. I know it’s a luxury and it’s not something everyone can afford. But if you can, do it. It’s like a mental gym.”

Yes! We love that description, and we love hearing it from someone as rock solid as Jon Hamm.

Just imagine if Don Draper could’ve taken some cues from the man who brought him to life?

Well, maybe Mad Men wouldn’t have been so mad, which wouldn’t have made for the greatest entertainment. But in real life, we’d take Hamm over Draper any day.