Mental Health on TV: A Look at Shows Getting It Right

Portrayal of Mental Health Issues on Television

Mental health is an important topic that requires a lot of sensitivity – and honesty – and accurateness. To properly convey, these important subjects in media it must be taken seriously - so many shows have faced criticism for the way they portray, and it’s true that those characters can often be reduced to those stereotypes - that only promotes stigma and also results in a loss of empathy towards those who need help. It shouldn't be taken lightly.

Fortunately - there are also those characters that make a difference - and bring attention to these issues in a way, that's positive - those actors. They are seeking support for mental health themselves and are trying to help others to do the same by sharing their own experiences. It should be a great way to break down barriers that's a big part of helping more people to find help. It could make a huge difference. There have also been successful shows – they continue to break through and help more people - it helps to show, there are so many, ways, for mental health conditions – they can be represented in a way that’s authentic and compelling and could inspire viewers - who might not be aware of those conditions - it's also a key to understanding how a person’s behavior can change, and it can also help those viewers, and it could encourage them to seek professional help.

TV Shows That Represent Mental Health

Collage of Arnie (Leonardo DiCaprio) and Gilbert (Johnny Depp) in What's Eating Gilbert Grape, with Joy (Amy Poehler) in Inside Out Image

Those TV shows that continue to explore those issues, there has been a growth in representation for mental health. These series have done a great job of showing how those TV characters - they deal with those challenges - a lot of those shows - that highlight some of the difficulties, but it’s a more realistic look at how people live - and also, a chance for fans to empathize with those people – especially those who need the most help - in real life, it will make a difference.

How To Represent Mental Health on Television

Mental Health - this is one of the most difficult challenges, in television - and its depiction has a lot of responsibility because so many people can find, comfort and understanding - in these characters and it's important that those characters have those real and authentic experiences.

It’s essential, that these TV shows avoid those clichés. The use of stereotypes, about mental health conditions. – it can result in a loss of empathy and also result in harmful representation and a lack of understanding of those issues. That’s what makes it, so difficult for the entertainment industry. They continue to struggle. The entertainment industry - to represent mental health.

What does it take? To properly depict – those conditions in a way that’s authentic? What are the essential, ingredients in terms of how to represent those challenges that people face every day? A good way – those characters - with those, complex stories. They are important to bring together – and that's part of how, to explore a person's struggles. There's that awareness. It’s an opportunity to help. It helps viewers understand how those characters deal with those mental illness - there has been a growth in the amount of discussion around mental health that can bring about those important changes.

These TV shows - those creators ( who work with these actors) - they are trying to make a difference, a lot of those creators – who care about those conditions, in particular, a chance for those actors – who share their personal experiences – its an effort - those writers - who try to bring that awareness to their shows and also a lot of actors.

These shows can bring more empathy towards those who need the most help. These depictions - in particular - those who are struggling it’s a major step toward progress.

BoJack Horseman - that was one of the most groundbreaking TV series - that really set a standard, for those other shows to follow those stories (in particular) with those themes that were very complex, they inspired others and its been a big hit with viewers. It can be seen as one of those shows that's really done a good job in terms of bringing to light, that the importance of seeking help when dealing with mental health.
Shameless is also one of those series, – it takes on those very serious subjects – fans are encouraged – and its a chance to look at those stories – those characters. This show does a very good job in bringing together all of those things. In this world– those characters – it could also help viewers - who may not be aware - in terms of the impact that mental health issues have, especially the way they deal with the repercussions and the things, that might occur. This particular show - has been able to show those characters with a lot of nuance, there’s a lot to learn about those characters.
You're the Worst. The show that takes on a unique perspective, its one that’s a bit different than the rest - there’s an effort to help the viewers . They are searching for a new perspective and – that’s how its making a change, those shows that deal with those challenges and – they might also feel a bit disconnected from the rest. Those who have watched the series have been watching. Its a show that’s been welcomed - a chance for people to get a fresh perspective, and it might even inspire them to seek help. Its one of those shows that’s well loved by many fans – its considered one that’s been very successful.
It’s clear there’s been a movement in the entertainment industry – as they begin to explore those mental health challenges (the need for more accuracy, when depicting those issues) – that’s something, that should continue.

Mental Health on TV: A Look at Shows Getting It Right

Portrayal of Mental Health Issues on Television

TV Shows That Represent Mental Health

How To Represent Mental Health on Television

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