Mental Health in Fiction and Why it Matters

If you or a loved one need someone to talk to, check out https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/

In my article 5 Things You Need to Know About Writing Multi-ethnic and Bi-racial Characters,  I discussed the importance of diversity and representation in fiction. Lately, I've been itching to write an updated version concerning the representation of mental health in books, television, and the media. While we've made massive strides in Mental Health Awareness in recent years, the American culture is still very much lacking in sensitivity on the subject. 

Not long ago, I posted a chapter of my latest novel draft for critique (which basically means swapping opinions and tips with one another). To put the whole thing into context, the main character in my book is in prison for murder. One of the people critiquing my story messaged me with the suggestion that I should make him "crazier" because that would explain to the audience why he was a criminal. This is so wrong on so many levels. Having a villain's motives be "she's crazy" is not only really bad writing, it's an incredibly harmful worldview which equates morality with being Neurotypical. I will continue to write characters with Anxiety and Depression, but I refuse to sensationalize mental illness and misrepresent both the illness and the people who have it. I highly encourage others to do the same.

I'd like to take a moment to commend 13 Reasons Why by Jay Asher and The Pact by Jodi Picoult for doing just this. In both books, teenage suicide plays a prominent role in the plot, without either glorifying or exploiting the situation to create controversy. Both show mentally unstable young women who do have other options but choose to take their own lives for a combination of complex reasons including depression and as a way of seeking a short-sighted solution to a potentially long-term problem. Perhaps most importantly, the books both show how much damage is left behind because of the character's choices. That, in my opinion, is the best way to handle such a difficult subject. With compassion. Pure sympathy and compassion for the victim and the family alike. 

Mental health is not something to be embarrassed about. Whether its suicidal thoughts or panic attacks, we all know somebody that struggles. We must work together as a society to break down the stigmas with realistic representations of mental health in fiction—most importantly, we must do it without exploiting the very people we choose to represent. It is our responsibility as basic human beings to not only aware but also compassionate about it.  

I'm always on the lookout for more books to read so if you have a recommendation, leave it in the comments section below. Don't forget to subscribe to my newsletter for more information about new releases and giveaways. Also, follow me on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook! 

3 Netflix Shows For Your Weekend TV Binge

Whether you're cooped up inside because of the blazing fires and poor air quality, or chilly winter weather, it's nice to set aside some personal time to take it slow and spend some time curled up with a blanket and your remote. If you're looking for something to watch, try one of these and get your Netflix and Chill on.   

Stranger Things 

I love shows and movies in a historical setting so for me this recommendation is a no-brainer. In a small town in the 1980's, a group of outcast friends grapples with the disappearance of their bestie, Will Byers, and supernatural horror of epic proportions. I originally gave it a pass because it looked cheesy, but my partner convinced me to give it a try and I was instantly hooked. The first season relies on a few eye-roll worthy teen tropes (perhaps more accurately, throwbacks to 80's coming of age film). The second season shifts things around, giving us more unique character development and arcs. Suspenseful, but not too dark for several back to back episodes... It's hard for me to imagine what the target audience is as it seems to have a little something for everyone. If you haven't given it a try yet, you're missing out.  

Ingobernable

This show is the brilliant love child of House of Cards, Bourne Identity, and La Reina Del Sur. It often feels more like American film than the average telenovela, which is really neat to see if you love drama and are tired of bad acting. If you watch international television, you probably recognize the esteemed Kate del Castillo for her hit roles in Latin television, otherwise, you may recognize her as the voice of La Muerte in The Book of Life, or for her appearances in CW's Jane the Virgin. Kate is spectacular as the First Lady of Mexico who is on the run after she is framed for her husband's murder. Just a fair warning, it definitely deserves the Mature rating. There's graphic sexual content (both straight and LGBTQ) and (of course) loads of violence and language. The show is in Spanish (which is how I recommend you watch it), but if you're not bilingual or you hate subtitles there is an English dubbing available as well.

Zumbo's Just Desserts 

This may seem like a strange recommendation, but I absolutely LOVE binging cooking shows. Zumbo's Just Desserts was a pleasant little gem and I loved every second of it. Unlike American cooking shows, most of the participants are ordinary people (not pretentious professionally trained chefs) attempting to create extraordinary dishes. As the name suggests, the entire show revolves around desserts.  If you plan on watching this with children, keep in mind that it is rated Mature (for language) - there were a few F-bombs and some minor coarse language throughout. My sisters and I watched the whole series in about a week, each rooting for our favorite Aussie. It's a fun show that embraces the spirit of competition without glorifying a cut-throat or hateful spirit that so many of our competition shows in the US are guilty of.  

What are your Netflix recommendations?