Would You Like Some Popcorn With That Mental Illness

Would You Like Some Popcorn With That Mental Illness

By: Shelbie Martin

 When did it become the cool thing to exploit mental illness? Okay, so I get that I may be being harsh, but seriously.

 Chances are you or someone you know struggles with mental health issues. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), 1 in 5 Americans live with a mental illness. With a ratio as significant as this, we can understand why over the past few decades there has been a push for education, awareness, and treatment of mental illnesses. With that being said, I think we’ve strayed from the path a bit.

           

You don’t have to search far to find some sort of pop culture that has taken a shot at depicting mental illness. Unless you’ve been living under a rock you’ve most likely watched, read, or at least heard of the Jay Asher book adapted into a Netflix series titled 13 Reasons Why. Spoiler alert: This is a young-adult fictional book about the 13 reasons why a teenage girl commits suicide. Now, don’t get me wrong. The story does a nice job at portraying many real life issues that may contribute to someone who struggles with suicidal ideation making the decision to end their life, but it does so through what appears to be retribution.

Another issue I have is that there is no mention of how individuals struggling with suicidal thoughts can seek help or how to reach the suicide prevention hotline. It isn’t enough to attempt to portray what teens struggling with mental health issues may be dealing with. It cannot just end there. There needs to be education, prevention, and resources provided. Don’t just tell me what it could look like for one person. Show me someone who struggles but also go beyond and show me what seeking help could look like.

Far too often books and television series show the tragic side of teens struggling with a mental illness and unfortunately for some it may be their reality. I personally refuse to believe that there is only loss and defeat in struggling with mental illness. I want to hear more stories about how it does get better. Our teens deserve to know that it can get better and that although the journey may seem long and impossible, there is hope.

Susan Rose Blauner is the author of a memoir titled How I Stayed Alive When My Brain Was Trying to Kill Me: One Person's Guide to Suicide Prevention. She takes the reader on a journey through what it was like for her to struggle with suicidal ideation for years and years. What is different about her story is that she spreads a message of hope and even provides guidance for those contemplating ending their lives. She doesn’t just glorify her struggles.

When did we start to resonate with fictional characters?  Remember, 1 in 5 Americans live with a mental illness. When did we stop reaching out and looking to real people who are struggling?

Prior to beginning graduate school I made a career change. I was employed as a behavioral health specialist at a residential treatment center for women seeking treatment for various mental illnesses. It was there that I witnessed first-hand the reality of battling depression, anxiety, self-harm, suicidal ideation, bipolar disorder, and borderline personality disorder, just to name a few.

There were things that I wish I never had to see but there are also miracles and recovery stories that I have witnessed. I guess what I am trying to say is that we can do better than basing our perceptions and views of mental illness off of what pop culture portrays. Let the people you know and the people you encounter be the ones to educate you and inspire you.