Gone are the days of insensitive portrayals. Many TV shows are now offering realistic depictions of mental health conditions, sparking conversations and offering hope. Discover must-watch shows and learn how they’re breaking barriers.
For far too long, mental health struggles were largely ignored or misunderstood in popular media. Thankfully, the tide is turning. Today’s television landscape boasts a growing number of shows tackling mental health with honesty, nuance, and sensitivity. These portrayals not only raise awareness but also offer viewers a sense of validation and hope.
Why Accurate Mental Health Representation Matters
Mental illness affects millions of people worldwide. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), one in four people [WHO mental health data] will experience a mental health condition in their lifetime. Despite this prevalence, stigma and misconceptions remain significant barriers to seeking help.
Accurate portrayals in television can be a powerful tool in combating these issues. By showcasing the experiences of characters living with mental health conditions, these shows normalize the conversation and encourage viewers to recognize the signs and symptoms within themselves or loved ones.
How Shows Are Getting Mental Health Right
Gone are the days of one-dimensional portrayals where mental illness manifests as erratic behavior or violence. Shows today are exploring a wider range of conditions, from anxiety and depression to bipolar disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Here’s how some of these shows are breaking new ground:
- Destigmatizing Therapy: Therapy is no longer depicted as a last resort for the “crazy.” Shows like “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend” (CW) and “You’re the Worst” (FXX) weave therapy sessions into the narrative, showcasing the importance of professional help in managing mental health.
- The Importance of Support Systems: Living with a mental health condition is rarely a solitary struggle. Shows like “BoJack Horseman” (Netflix) and “Please Like Me” (Netflix) highlight the crucial role of friends, family, and support groups in recovery.
- The Spectrum of Experiences: Mental health conditions are not monolithic. Shows like “Atypical” (Netflix) and “Everything Sucks!” (Netflix) depict characters on the autism spectrum, challenging stereotypes and fostering understanding.
- Mental Health Co-existing with Other Issues: Mental health conditions rarely exist in a vacuum. Shows like “Shameless” (Showtime) and “Euphoria” (HBO) explore the complexities of mental health alongside addiction and trauma.
Must-Watch TV Shows for an Authentic Look at Mental Health
Here are some of the many TV shows offering a refreshingly accurate portrayal of mental health struggles:
- Crazy Ex-Girlfriend (CW): This comedic musical explores the journey of Rebecca Bunch, a high-functioning lawyer grappling with depression and borderline personality disorder (BPD). The show uses humor and self-awareness to depict therapy, medication, and the ups and downs of managing mental health.
- BoJack Horseman (Netflix): This adult animated comedy dives deep into the psyche of BoJack Horseman, a washed-up sitcom star battling depression, anxiety, and addiction. The show delves into the cyclical nature of addiction and the complex emotions that fuel mental health struggles.
- Please Like Me (Netflix): This Australian dramedy follows Josh, a young man navigating his sexuality, grief, and depression. The show offers a raw and relatable portrayal of mental illness, showcasing the challenges of navigating friendships, relationships, and self-discovery.
- Atypical (Netflix): This heartwarming family comedy centers on Sam, a teenager on the autism spectrum. The show portrays the unique social challenges faced by autistic individuals while celebrating their strengths and quirks.
- Everything Sucks! (Netflix): Set in the 90s, this coming-of-age story follows a group of high school students, including one on the autism spectrum. The show explores the complexities of teenage life, friendships, and self-acceptance with an authentic portrayal of neurodiversity.
- Shameless (Showtime): This dramedy explores the dysfunctional Gallagher family, many of whom struggle with mental health issues, addiction, and poverty. The show portrays the devastating impact of trauma and highlights the challenges of seeking help in low-income communities.
- Euphoria (HBO): This gritty teen drama delves into the dark underbelly of high school life, where drug use, anxiety, and depression are rampant. While not for the faint of heart, the show offers a brutally honest portrayal of mental health struggles amongst Gen Z.
The Road Ahead: Continuing the Conversation
While significant progress has been made, there’s still room for growth. More diversity in portrayals, encompassing race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic background, is crucial.
