In the past there has always been a stigma associated with mental health in every corner of the world. This combined with a lack of information on mental health made it far more difficult for people to seek help. Even in the rare circumstances that this did happen it would then raise several further issues. This would include how you would open up and talk about how you are feeling. However, recently we have seen a greater number of mainstream television shows tackle a wide range of mental health issues. This has helped to educate the audience as well as reduce stigma by making mental health normal. The knock on effect of this is that it encourages people with mental health problems to be more confident in themselves to seek help.
The Queen’s Gambit
This show is an adaptation of the Walter Tevis book and is set between the 1950’s and 60’s. The story covers the journey of chess prodigy Beth Harmon. The short series delves into a number of different themes including feminism, alcoholism, drug addiction and childhood trauma. In the beginning of the show we learn that Beth is orphaned at a very young age. This is after surviving a car crash that kills her mother. Despite leaving the collision physically unscathed, the deep psychological scars contribute to her substance abuse. At the same time the show highlights the importance of these drugs and alcohol on the characters success. However, by the end of the series we witness her development by overcoming her addiction and having her chess game reach a new height.
BoJack Horseman
The animated tv series follows the life of a horse named BoJack Horseman. He is depicted as a former star of a ’90s TV show who desperately wants to return to Hollywood. The series touches on a wide range of mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, substance abuse and trauma. The show has been applauded by many for showing these problems in a realistic way that people can relate to. They also do not ignore the impact their toxic behaviours can have on each other.
After Life
A series that follows a character named Tony, a journalist as he struggles with depression and suicidal thoughts following his wife’s death. He ignores friends and family who want to help him mourn her death and instead begins to punish the world by saying whatever he feels like no matter how hurtful it may be. The series shows that no matter what you are going through there are people that truly care about your well-being. It’s impact was further highlighted in its partnership with the suicide prevention charity, the Campaign Against Living Miserably (Calm). The partnership involves donating 25 benches to local councils which have QR codes that direct you to messages of support. This was done so that, like in the show, it can give people the opportunity to sit down with someone and get their feelings off their chest.
Peaky Blinders
The setting of Peaky Blinders after the war results in a number of characters displaying symptoms of PTSD, post-traumatic stress disorder. This is seen as affecting a number of the characters on the show in different ways. The main character, Thomas Shelby is forced to constantly relive the war in flashbacks and nightmares. His brother, Arthur Shelby has a complete lack of control over his impulses resulting in bouts of rage. Given the lack of understanding on what was affecting them these issues were dealt with using alcohol and opium. This is also because after the war they were forced to rejoin society as if the war never happened.
Ted Lasso
The titular character is a positive, upbeat person who constantly goes out of his way to help others. However, as the season progresses, we begin to see the struggles behind the smile. This includes his marriage, maintaining a long-distance relationship with his son and his past trauma with his father. Due to these factors he starts to suffer from panic attacks and after a severe one he decides it is time to ask the team therapist for help to talk through what is affecting him. This helps to show people that mental health problems do not discriminate and can affect anyone no matter the joyful facade that they present to the world. The show also helps in being able to spot the signs that someone is struggling as well as offering a reassurance to the audience that therapists are not just paid to listen to you, they care about you.
Jessica Jones
In Jessica Jones, the main character develops PTSD after her past meeting with the season’s villain, KIlgrave. This is because he uses his mind control powers to force her into doing unspeakable things against her will. The use of alcohol as a coping strategy helps to highlight the extent of her trauma. The series also shows how helpful it can be to talk to others about how you are feeling. This is seen in the first season where those who have been controlled by KIlgrave come together to form a support group.
Mr. Robot
This show is based on the character Elliot Alderson who is a cybersecurity engineer and vigilante hacker. The character is portrayed as struggling with dissociative identity disorder, depression, social anxiety and drug abuse. Dissociative identity disorder is where alternate personalities emerge in the same person. This is something that becomes clear as the show progresses as well as with the help of Elliot’s therapist. As stated above the stigma with mental health issues can cause people who need treatment to avoid getting help. However, the importance of shows like Mr. Robot cannot be undervalued as they can encourage people to get the help that they need by normalizing mental health.
