The Good, The Bad, and The Cringeworthy

 

Pop culture has always had a knack for oversimplifying for mass consumption. Whether it’s turning a dystopian future into a glamorous fashion statement (re: Hunger Games) or pairing up an old man with an 18 year old actress – we’ve seen it all. But when it comes to mental health, things get a bit more… delicate. And by delicate, I mean it’s like watching someone attempt a tightrope walk over a pit of crocodiles with a blindfold on. Spoiler alert: most of them fall in.

First, let’s acknowledge the progress. Gone are the days when characters with mental health issues were exclusively the villains, complete with maniacal laughs and questionable fashion choices (have you watched A Clockwork Orange?). Today, mental health is getting a more nuanced portrayal—sometimes. We see characters dealing with anxiety, depression, PTSD, and OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder), all in the comfort of our living rooms. Take a look at Dani’s character arc in Midsommar; the raw portrayal of female rage by Florence Pugh makes you shift in your seat, to say the least.

But here’s the catch: for every Bojack Horseman (a show that nails the depiction of depression with painful accuracy), there’s a Split (a film that might as well have titled itself “How to Offend and Misrepresent Every Mental Health Professional in One Sitting”). So, while progress has been made, it’s often a case of two steps forward, one step back, and a plié into a cliché.

The need for accurate mental health representation in the media isn’t just a trendy talking point for keyboard warriors. It’s crucial because, like it or not, pop culture shapes public perception. If all you know about schizophrenia comes from The Shining, then we have a problem.

Accurate representation can lead to greater understanding and empathy, reducing the stigma that has historically surrounded mental health issues. Instead of seeing someone with depression as a sad person who just needs to “cheer up,” or viewing a person with anxiety as a neurotic mess, we begin to understand that these are real, complex conditions that deserve understanding, not judgement. This is a major reason why Dear Zindagi was so well received by the audiences. It normalised therapy!

So, how do we fix this? For starters, writers and creators should do their homework. And no, binge-watching a few episodes of Mentalist doesn’t count as research. Talk to mental health professionals, consult with people who live with these conditions, and—this might sound crazy—listen to them. Understanding the nuances and complexities of mental health is key to avoiding the cringe-worthy stereotypes that make viewers want to throw their remote at the screen.

Also, while we’re on the subject, can we please stop romanticising mental illness? No one’s anxiety attack is a quirky character trait, and depression doesn’t make someone a mysterious misfit; it makes them, well, depressed.

When it comes to mental health in the media, with great power comes great responsibility. Creators have the power to influence how millions of people perceive mental health, and with that power comes an ethical responsibility to get it right. This isn’t just about avoiding lawsuits or backlash on social media; it’s about recognizing the impact that pop culture has on real lives.

There are, thankfully, some gems in the vast landscape of pop culture that have managed to get it right. Movies like Inside Out cleverly personify emotions, offering a nuanced exploration of how our feelings shape our experiences, making it accessible yet profoundly insightful. Winnie the Pooh subtly touches on various mental health issues through its beloved characters—Eeyore’s persistent sadness and Piglet’s anxiety are treated with warmth and understanding. A Beautiful Boy delves into the heartbreaking realities of addiction and its impact on both the individual and their family, while The Perks of Being a Wallflower poignantly captures the complexities of trauma, depression, and the search for identity during adolescence. These films don’t just represent mental health—they invite us to empathize, to understand, and to see the humanity behind the struggles. This is the kind of representation that not only gets it right but also moves the conversation forward in a meaningful way.

So, to all the screenwriters, directors, and producers out there: do us all a favour and step up your game. Because when it comes to mental health, your work can either be a beacon of understanding or a giant, flaming dumpster fire. Your choice.