Survivor 46 Contestant Ben Katzman Shares Candid Insights on Overcoming Post-Show Challenges

Survivor fans followed Ben Katzman's journey as he faced mental health challenges during season 46. His struggles continued even after he returned home.

"I had a tough time at the end of August. Many of the jury members didn't talk to me. I had support from my friends from before the merge," Ben, 31, shared with We on Thursday, May 23, after the Survivor 46 finale. "I had Liz [Wilcox] and Charlie [Davis], but it was really tough to feel like no one gave me a chance to share my story after going through such a difficult time."

Ben openly shared his struggles with panic attacks during his time on the island. He had the support of Charlie, Liz, and winner Kenzie Petty as he faced these challenges on the beaches of Fiji. Despite appreciating their help, Ben also tried to manage his night terrors alone.

He mentioned going to the beach by himself to avoid burdening others, but found solace in singing songs and Oasis lyrics to himself. Ben credited the love and encouragement from his loved ones back home for keeping him strong throughout the game.

Ben admitted that his night terrors resurfaced when he returned home after filming Survivor 46. He mentioned that the timing coincided with Survivor 45 airing in the fall of 2023.

Speaking to Us, Ben shared, "My night terrors started coming back at the end of August [2023] for a couple months while [season] 45 was airing. And I was like, ‘Here’s another test. How am I going to manage whatever this is going to look like?’ And in that time, that’s when some real ****friendships came together."

Ben Katzman Opens Up About His Night Terrors Returning After Show

Chuck Snyder/CBS

During that tough time, the musician's bandmates would stay overnight to support him.

He expressed gratitude for their care, saying, "They checked on me and showed me love. I truly felt it."

Ben's fellow castmates showed their concern and kept in touch with him during his time on the island. He built a strong friendship with Charlie and became "super close" to Jess Chong, Jem Hussain-Adams, David Jelinsky, Venus Vafa, and others. Despite a feud with Q Burdette on the show, Ben revealed that he and the real estate agent talked after the game and repaired their relationship.

Ben Katzman Opens Up About His Night Terrors Returning After Show

Jeff Probst and Ben Katzman appeared on CBS together.

"It's been helpful in healing some of those issues. I'm always open to having difficult conversations and working through things," he shared with Us. "I'm feeling much better now. But there was definitely a tough period."

In the season 46 finale, Ben told Kenzie and Charlie that he wants to get his driver's license after the game. Although he hasn't done it yet, he is putting in a lot of effort to achieve this goal while traveling frequently.

Ben joked that he is determined to get his license. He pointed out that even famous musicians like Liam Gallagher, Noel Gallagher, and Gene Simmons didn't have their licenses until later in life. So, he feels like he still has plenty of time to learn.

Survivor is available to stream on Paramount+.

Editor's P/S:

Ben's journey on Survivor 46 was a testament to his resilience in the face of mental health challenges. His willingness to share his struggles with panic attacks and night terrors resonated with viewers, shedding light on the importance of mental well-being. While he received support from some castmates, it was disappointing to hear that others did not give him the opportunity to share his story. This highlights the need for empathy and understanding towards those who are struggling with mental health issues.

Ben's experience post-Survivor serves as a reminder that mental health challenges can persist even after returning to everyday life. The resurgence of his night terrors during the airing of Survivor 45 emphasizes the potential triggers that can arise from revisiting past experiences. However, it is encouraging to know that Ben found solace in the support of his loved ones, including his bandmates who stayed overnight to provide comfort. The fact that Ben is taking steps to achieve his goal of getting his driver's license, despite his challenges, is a testament to his determination and willingness to move forward.