Content Warning: Mentions mental health struggles and physically restraining those with mental health disorders.
Despite being commonly experienced, mental health issues are still very stigmatized. This is due to many factors such as cultural, religious, and societal beliefs. These perceptions can be created or reinforced by the depictions of mental health in the media, and the effects can be tremendous.
When I think of mental health portrayals in the media, the first films and shows that come to mind are “Euphoria,” “Girl, Interrupted,” and “Beautiful Boy.”” Each of these takes the viewer through the journey of one or more characters navigating their mental illness.
The television series “Euphoria” was first released in 2019, the second season aired in 2022, and the third season is currently in production. It follows the fictional story of 17-year-old Rue Bennett, who was diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and possibly bipolar disorder at a young age. Throughout the show, viewers also witness her struggle with substance use, which began after her father’s death. “Euphoria” was a huge success and HBO’s second-most-watched show, according to IMDb. It also took over social media when it was airing, pulling in younger viewers with its coverage of teenage struggles, mental health portrayal, and complex relationships. Zendaya, who plays Bennett, received two Emmys for ởutstanding lead actress in a drama series for her performance.
In my opinion, “Euphoria” steps into glorification of the issues it portrays but still does a fairly decent job of representing mental health and spreading awareness of issues many people face. Zendaya does a phenomenal job portraying Bennett, and her performance — full of emotion and tension — is some of the best acting I’ve ever seen.
The show did face backlash for some inaccurate portrayals of high schoolers, and for the frequency of nudity and violence — especially since the main characters were underage. Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience at the Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU), Bonnie Nagel, PhD., says, “Inaccurate portrayals can misguide society about mental health conditions, sometimes increasing stigma by perpetuating biased stereotypes and negative attitudes about people with mental health problems. There is also the risk of glorifying, sexualizing, or romanticizing mental health problems.”
Another piece of media that delves into multiple mental illnesses is “Girl, Interrupted,” a 1999 movie that follows the true story of Susanna Kaysen, played by Winona Ryder, and her experience in a mental institution. She’s diagnosed with borderline personality disorder, and other characters have antisocial personality disorder, schizophrenia, anorexia nervosa, OCD, and depression.
“Girl, Interrupted” includes topics of violence, abuse, and misogyny. According to an article in Collider by Lindsey Clouse, it also helps expose the dark side of some mental institutions, where women aren’t always given autonomy over their medical treatments or informed about their diagnosis or medications. Based on a memoir, “Girl, Interrupted” does a good job of taking real stories and turning them into something that can open the viewer’s eyes to real-world issues. Films based on true stories are often good mental health depictions since they voice real experiences.
“Beautiful Boy,” a 2018 movie based on a memoir by journalist David Sheff, tells the story of his son’s drug addiction. The movie stars Timothée Chalamet as Nicolas “Nic” Sheff, following his struggles with substance use. The movie represents the perspectives of both Sheff and his father, showing how addiction can also challenge the individual’s loved ones.
The movie takes the viewer through Sheff’s struggle with drugs, conflict with his father, and challenges with relapse. Sheff’s father tries everything, and after several failed attempts, he eventually tells Sheff that he has to want to get better for himself. Sheff goes through ups and downs but eventually can stay sober. It’s a beautiful movie about fatherhood, parent-child relationships, and recovering from addiction. Substance use is often stigmatized, so the authentic, nuanced portrayal in “Beautiful Boy” helps spread awareness about the realities of addiction.
A key factor in making a portrayal of mental health accurate is including those who have struggled with mental health in the process. If you’re covering a topic that you haven’t experienced and aren’t getting feedback from someone who has, you might be on the road to making something that’s inaccurate and harmful.
While portrayals of mental health in film are fictional, they can impact how people perceive and treat others in real life. It’s still important to have accurate portrayals of mental health so that people don’t become misguided. Bill Griesar, an assistant professor in the Department of Psychology at Portland State University, shares, “Having more accurate reflections [of mental health], not something wildly exaggerated or inaccurate, could be helpful in understanding disorders.”
When you’re watching a film that portrays mental health, it’s important to reflect and do research on its accuracy before internalizing all of the information as true. Griesar adds that inaccurate portrayals of mental health can “stigmatize and misinform the public about what is real.” Taking the time to be well-informed can help promote understanding, reduce judgment and bias, and encourage individuals to get the help they need.
