For decades, mainstream media has played a crucial role in shaping public perception of mental health and personality disorders. From film and television to news coverage and social media, the way mental illness is portrayed can either reinforce damaging stereotypes or foster understanding and compassion. Over the last 20 years, we have seen a significant shift—one that reflects growing awareness, advocacy, and a more nuanced understanding of mental health. But has the change been enough?
The Early 2000s: A Landscape of Fear and Stigma
At the turn of the 21st century, the media’s depiction of mental illness was largely rooted in fear, sensationalism, and misunderstanding. Films and television shows often painted individuals with mental health conditions as dangerous, unpredictable, or even monstrous.
• Personality Disorders as Villainous Tropes: Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD), often mislabeled as “psychopathy” or “sociopathy,” was frequently associated with serial killers and ruthless criminals. Characters like Patrick Bateman in American Psycho (2000) and The Joker in The Dark Knight (2008) reinforced the idea that individuals with these disorders were inherently violent.
• Schizophrenia and Psychosis as Horror Elements: Movies like A Beautiful Mind (2001) attempted to humanize schizophrenia but still leaned into the trope of the “troubled genius” battling his own demons. Meanwhile, horror films exploited psychosis as a plot device, with characters suffering from hallucinations often depicted as dangerous or completely detached from reality.
• Depression and Anxiety as Weakness: Mental health struggles were rarely discussed openly, and when they were, they were often dismissed or trivialized. Male characters were expected to “tough it out,” while women who exhibited signs of emotional distress were labeled as “crazy” or unstable.
News coverage was no better. Violent crimes committed by individuals with suspected mental illnesses were disproportionately reported, fueling public fear. Words like “deranged,” “lunatic,” and “psycho” were commonly used in headlines, reinforcing the stigma.
The 2010s: A Slow but Significant Shift
As mental health advocacy gained traction, the media slowly began to reflect a more balanced perspective. The rise of social media platforms and streaming services allowed for more diverse narratives and perspectives, challenging outdated portrayals.
• The Rise of Complex, Humanized Characters: Shows like Bojack Horseman (2014–2020) tackled depression, addiction, and personality disorders with nuance, showing the cyclical nature of mental illness rather than reducing it to a plot twist or a villainous trait. Similarly, Jessica Jones (2015–2019) addressed PTSD and trauma survival in a raw and realistic way.
• More Accurate Depictions of Therapy and Recovery: Instead of being depicted as a last resort for “crazy” people, therapy became a normalized aspect of character development. Crazy Ex-Girlfriend (2015–2019) openly explored borderline personality disorder (BPD) and the protagonist’s journey through therapy and self-discovery.
• Breaking the Silence on Suicide and Self-Harm: 13 Reasons Why (2017) sparked controversy for its depiction of suicide, but it also forced critical discussions about mental health in teenagers. While some aspects were criticized as irresponsible, the show’s impact led to more open conversations and awareness campaigns.
• Personality Disorders Beyond Villainy: Mr. Robot (2015–2019) introduced a protagonist with dissociative identity disorder (DID), moving beyond the horror-driven depictions of the past. While still flawed, it marked a shift toward exploring personality disorders with more depth and complexity.
Outside of entertainment, the media landscape also changed. High-profile celebrities like Demi Lovato, Selena Gomez, and Kanye West began openly discussing their struggles with bipolar disorder, depression, and addiction. Athletes like Naomi Osaka and Simone Biles prioritized mental health over competition, challenging the stigma surrounding seeking help.
The 2020s: Progress, But Still Work to Do
The last few years have seen an even greater push toward honest, empathetic portrayals of mental health. Social media has become a double-edged sword—while it can spread misinformation, it has also given people with lived experiences a platform to share their truths.
• Mental Health in Mainstream Storytelling: Shows like Euphoria (2019–present) dive deep into addiction, trauma, and bipolar disorder with brutal honesty. While some argue that certain portrayals romanticize mental illness, others appreciate the raw, unfiltered look at these struggles.
• Destigmatizing Medication and Treatment: Pop culture has slowly begun to challenge the shame around taking medication for mental health. Ted Lasso (2020–present) features a beloved protagonist struggling with panic attacks, eventually seeking therapy and addressing past trauma.
• News Media Taking a More Responsible Approach: While sensationalism still exists, there has been a shift toward more accurate reporting. Mental health experts are now frequently consulted in crime stories, and phrases like “died by suicide” (instead of “committed suicide”) are becoming standard practice.
Yet, challenges remain. Mental illness is still used as a plot device in horror and crime dramas, and misinformation about conditions like DID and BPD continues to spread. Even when depictions are positive, there is a risk of oversimplifying complex disorders or making recovery seem linear.
Where Do We Go From Here?
The progress made in the last 20 years is undeniable, but the work isn’t over. The media has immense power to shape public perception, and with that power comes responsibility. To continue moving in the right direction, creators and journalists must:
Consult Mental Health Professionals and Individuals with Lived Experience – Accurate representation starts with listening to those who live with these conditions daily.
Avoid Sensationalism – Mental illness should not be used as a cheap plot twist or an excuse for violent behavior.
Show the Full Spectrum of Mental Health – Recovery is not one-size-fits-all. Showing both setbacks and victories helps normalize the journey.
Continue to Destigmatize Therapy and Medication – Seeking help should never be portrayed as a weakness.
Mental health representation in media has come a long way from the days of one-dimensional villains and harmful stereotypes. The challenge now is to keep pushing for authentic, thoughtful storytelling that fosters empathy and understanding. Because when we change the narrative, we change lives.
What are your thoughts on how mental health is portrayed in the media? Drop a comment below and join the conversation.
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