Mental health has become an increasingly important topic in everyday conversations, and nowhere is this more visible than in media. Whether through films, television shows, or social media, the stories we consume shape our understanding of the world—including how we perceive mental health. When mental health is portrayed with accuracy and compassion, it can lead to greater societal awareness, empathy, and support. Conversely, misrepresentation can reinforce harmful stereotypes and contribute to stigma.

Let’s explore how accurate mental health representation in media influences society and why artists should prioritize responsible storytelling, with examples from notable films and shows.

Breaking Down Stigma Through Accurate Representation

One of the most significant impacts of accurate mental health representation is its ability to break down long-standing stigmas. For years, mental illness has been shrouded in misunderstanding and fear. Accurate portrayals of mental health—nuanced and free from harmful stereotypes—help reduce stigma by fostering empathy and understanding.

Take This Is Us, which offers a deeply personal exploration of panic disorder through Randall’s character. The series delves into his struggle with anxiety, providing a realistic portrayal of how overwhelming and debilitating it can be. By depicting panic attacks in a raw, unfiltered manner, the show invites viewers to understand the complexities of living with anxiety, thereby breaking down misconceptions about the disorder.

In contrast, films like Joker can be problematic when they conflate mental illness with violence, reinforcing dangerous stereotypes. While the character's trauma and mental health issues are explored—such as pseudobulbar affect (a condition causing uncontrollable laughter or crying)—the film risks perpetuating the idea that people with mental health struggles are inherently violent, fueling societal fears instead of empathy.

Fostering Empathy and Compassion

Media has the power to shape how we understand one another. Accurate representations of mental health encourage empathy and humanize the often invisible struggles people face. This empathy allows audiences to see the person behind the diagnosis, reminding us that mental illness does not define someone’s worth or capabilities.

Antoine Fisher beautifully illustrates this by depicting a young man grappling with PTSD as a result of childhood trauma and abuse. The film doesn’t shy away from the pain of Fisher’s experience but highlights his resilience and growth as he learns to heal. The audience is given a chance to connect with his humanity, fostering compassion for others facing similar battles.

In Baby Reindeer, trauma is again front and center. The show takes viewers inside the mind of a man haunted by past events, offering an unflinching portrayal of how trauma can affect behavior, relationships, and self-worth. Stories like these open doors for conversations about trauma and its impact, encouraging audiences to approach those struggling with trauma with kindness and patience.

On the other hand, Girl, Interrupted provides a sensitive and layered portrayal of borderline personality disorder (BPD). By focusing on Susanna's journey through a psychiatric hospital, the film shows the complexity of BPD, challenging viewers to understand the emotional turmoil faced by those with the disorder. Accurate depictions like these help foster understanding and reduce the judgment that often accompanies such conditions.

Inspiring Advocacy and Policy Change

Art often mirrors life, and media’s portrayal of mental health can influence public discourse and even drive policy changes. When creators, writers, and filmmakers take the responsibility to showcase accurate mental health stories, they can ignite advocacy movements and inspire change.

For example, Silver Linings Playbook spurred conversations about bipolar disorder, while films like Antoine Fisher and A Beautiful Mind ignited broader discussions about PTSD and schizophrenia, respectively. These portrayals encourage audiences to not only empathize but also push for increased mental health resources and support systems, influencing policy at both local and national levels.

When films showcase mental health in a compassionate, humanizing way, they can shift public opinion, making it easier for individuals to seek help, access treatment, and advocate for better mental health care in their communities.

The Dangers of Inaccurate Representation

While media has the power to do good, inaccurate portrayals of mental health can do real harm. Common tropes like the “psycho killer” or the “dangerous mental patient” reinforce stigma and fuel societal fears of those with mental health conditions. Characters like Joker, for instance, can risk perpetuating harmful stereotypes by linking mental illness with violence, overshadowing the reality that individuals with mental health issues are more often victims than perpetrators.

This is why consulting mental health professionals during the storytelling process is crucial. Whether developing a character with PTSD, anxiety, or schizophrenia, ensuring their journey is grounded helps avoid harmful misrepresentations and supports responsible storytelling.

Encouraging Responsible Storytelling in Media

As mental health takes center stage in cultural conversations, artists have the power to shape public perception for the better. Here are keyways filmmakers, writers, and producers can approach mental health representation more responsibly:

Consult Mental Health Experts: Collaborating with psychologists and mental health professionals ensures that characters and narratives are accurate, nuanced, and reflective of real-life experiences.
Avoid Sensationalism: Exaggerating mental health issues for dramatic effect perpetuates harmful stereotypes. Authenticity should be prioritized over sensationalism.
Highlight Recovery and Treatment: Showcasing not just struggles but also recovery, coping mechanisms, and treatment can offer hope to viewers and reflect the real-life mental health journey.
Center Marginalized Voices: Mental health doesn’t look the same for everyone. Including stories from marginalized communities—such as people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, and women—adds diversity and depth to the conversation.

Changing the World, One Story at a Time

The impact of accurate mental health representation in media cannot be overstated. As we continue to see more stories that reflect the true complexity of mental health, we have the opportunity to reshape societal attitudes, break down stigma, and inspire positive change. Filmmakers, writers, and content creators play a critical role in this process—one story at a time.

At the intersection of mental health and storytelling lies immense power to create lasting change. By crafting narratives that reflect the human experience with honesty and care, media can not only entertain but also educate, heal, and transform society.

If you're an artist looking to tell these stories with accuracy, nuance, and compassion, Dr. Jasmine Ross Storytelling Consulting is here to help.

Let’s work together to bring authentic mental health representation to the screen—because every story matters. Schedule your complimentary consultation Here.

How Accurate Mental Health Representation in Media Impacts Society