Mental illness representation in entertainment media: Accuracy vs sensationalism

Recently, I’ve been rewatching a show with my sister that I first watched during my teenage years. The show, titled Pretty Little Liars, follows four teenage girls whose best friend mysteriously disappeared. A year after her disappearance, the girls suddenly begin receiving eerie, threating messages from someone calling themselves “A”. This anonymous figure torments the girls throughout the entire show, and although they initially hope it is Alison—their missing best friend who has somehow returned to haunt them—they eventually discover that this is not the case. Instead, they learn that Alison was brutally murdered, with her remains found buried in her own backyard.

While watching the show, my sister and I came across a few episodes where one of the side characters is admitted to a mental institution. Mind you, this character has been around since the beginning of the show, and although we haven’t seen much of her thus far, we’ve seen enough to understand that she went through an incredibly difficult past and later did everything she could to completely reinvent herself and build a new identity (not to excuse her harmful behaviour).

I’m not going to—and never will—call someone, even a fictional character, “sane” or “insane” (or any alternative degrading words), and I don’t think it is up to me to diagnose someone or determine whether they have a mental condition based solely on the limited information we are given or the things we witness on screen. I am in no way qualified or licensed to do so. This character may very well have the unspecified personality disorder the show claims causes her to live in a “perpetual state of hyperreality”, or she may have been pretending, with her psychiatrist intentionally diagnosing her in order to keep her out of prison (irrelevant to the topic at hand—the show is chaotic in addition to problematic at times). But while watching the scenes of the character sitting alone in her room or interacting with others at the institution (while also taking the lighting and soundtrack of those scenes into account), I couldn’t help but turn to my sister and ask, “Why do they always make them so creepy?”

My sister, who holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology, immediately agreed. “You’re right,” she said. “Movies and TV shows have a habit of portraying characters with mental conditions as creepy. Like they’re people we should fear.” Then she looked at me and added, “Maybe that can be your next article.”

So, here I am—after at least a week’s worth of research—writing about how entertainment media and popular culture portray mental health, and the kind of impact those portrayals can have on society’s perception of mental illness.

Note: Everything written below is from thoroughly conducted primary and secondary research with a mix of my own personal opinion. It does not in any way represent a globally shared view of the topic.

The “tortured genius” stereotype

One of the most persistent ideas in media is the belief that suffering creates brilliance. Artists such as Vincent van Gogh are frequently romanticized as “tortured geniuses”, with their mental illness portrayed as the source of their creativity. Media narratives often suggest that emotional pain enhances artistic talent, reinforcing stereotypes that “madness” and genius are naturally connected.

This glamorization appears throughout film, music, and celebrity culture. Alternative and rock music frequently explores themes of depression, addiction, and self-destruction, but these struggles are sometimes aestheticized rather than realistically portrayed. Similarly, Hollywood has historically turned mental illness into dramatic spectacle because emotional instability, chaos, and suffering are often seen as commercially compelling.

Commercialism and sensationalism in entertainment

Mental illness “sells” in entertainment media. Crime thrillers, horror films, and psychological dramas often rely on mentally ill characters to create suspense and fear. Characters with disorders such as schizophrenia or dissociative identity disorder are repeatedly portrayed as violent, unstable, or dangerous, despite research showing that individuals with mental illnesses are more likely to be victims of violence than perpetrators.

These portrayals influence audience perceptions over time. Repeated exposure to narratives linking mental illness with danger can contribute to stigma, fear, and social exclusion. Media representations often prioritize dramatic storytelling over accuracy, especially because subtle conditions like depression may be considered “less cinematic” than highly visual or chaotic portrayals of mania or psychosis.

At the same time, many portrayals lack depth and realism. Depression is often reduced to sadness and crying, while anxiety is simplified into panic attacks. Conditions such as bipolar disorder are commonly shown as sudden mood swings rather than long-term cycles that affect daily life. This oversimplification can make it difficult for audiences to understand the complexity of real mental health experiences.

Celebrity culture and mental health awareness

In recent years, celebrities and public figures have become increasingly open about their mental health struggles. Through interviews, documentaries, music, and social media, public figures discussing anxiety, depression, addiction, or burnout have helped normalize conversations surrounding mental health.

Celebrity disclosure can reduce stigma by encouraging openness and help-seeking behaviours. According to social learning theory, audiences often model behaviours they observe in influential figures. When celebrities openly discuss therapy, medication, or recovery, it can encourage viewers to seek support themselves.

However, celebrity culture can also unintentionally glamorize suffering. Audiences may romanticize emotional instability, especially when mental illness becomes tied to creativity, fame, or artistic identity. As a result, media representation exists in a complicated space between awareness and aestheticization.

Positive representation and responsible storytelling

Although negative portrayals remain common, modern entertainment media has also produced more compassionate and nuanced depictions of mental health. Films such as Inside Out emphasize emotional awareness teaching audiences how to identify and communicate feelings. Good Will Hunting highlights the importance of therapy, vulnerability, and human connection, while Silver Linings Playbook explores bipolar disorder alongside themes of family support and recovery.

Television series such as BoJack Horseman and This Is Us are often praised for presenting mental illness as complex, ongoing, and deeply human rather than simply dramatic plot devices. Similarly, The Perks of Being a Wallflower explores trauma, grief, anxiety, and the importance of seeking help in a way that resonates emotionally with audiences.

These portrayals matter because media can largely influence public attitudes. Accurate representation can normalize therapy, encourage empathy, reduce shame, and make viewers feel seen in their own struggles.

Cultural differences in mental health representation

Mental health portrayals also differ across cultures. Western media increasingly frames mental illness as a medical condition requiring professional support, reflecting growing conversations around therapy and psychiatric care. In contrast, many Eastern cultures have historically associated mental illness with personal weakness, family dishonour, or social shame, leading to less open representation in mainstream media.

In some African and Latin American cultures, mental illness has often been linked to spiritual or supernatural beliefs, influencing how it is portrayed in films and television. However, globalization and digital media are gradually reshaping these narratives, encouraging more open discussions about mental health around the world.

Audience view and perception

For the purpose of exploring audience perceptions of mental illness in entertainment media, I conducted a small survey examining how viewers interpret fictional portrayals of psychological disorders in films, TV shows, and books. The responses suggested that audiences are highly aware of the influence entertainment media has on public understanding of mental illness, particularly in shaping stereotypes, empathy, and emotional reactions toward mentally ill characters.

Many respondents said they enjoy stories that explore psychological struggles because they find them relatable, emotionally compelling, and thought-provoking. Several participants expressed that these portrayals help them better understand themselves and others. One respondent wrote that such stories “help me sympathize with people”, while another stated, “I like being represented”. Respondents especially appreciated characters whose struggles were portrayed with emotional depth rather than being reduced to violence, instability, or shock value.

At the same time, participants believed that entertainment media often exaggerates mental illness for drama, horror, or suspense. Many felt that mentally ill characters are frequently portrayed as unstable, dangerous, unpredictable, or emotionally broken, especially in thriller and horror genres. Films such as American Psycho and The Machinist were mentioned as examples where psychological struggles are linked to fear, paranoia, or violence. Respondents also noted that cinematic elements such as eerie music, dark lighting, unsettling camera angles, and distorted editing techniques contribute to portraying mentally ill characters as threatening or disturbing.

However, participants additionally highlighted several portrayals they considered realistic and empathetic. Rue from Euphoria was praised for portraying addiction, depression, and emotional isolation in a raw and emotionally honest manner, showing both the internal struggles of mental illness and its impact on relationships. The Perks of Being a Wallflower was mentioned for its sensitive depiction of trauma, PTSD, and emotional repression, particularly through Charlie’s difficulty processing his past experiences. Respondents also referenced Good Will Hunting for its nuanced exploration of trauma, vulnerability, and therapy, emphasizing emotional healing rather than stigmatization.

Similarly, Silver Linings Playbook was appreciated for portraying bipolar disorder in a way that balanced emotional struggles with humanity, relationships, and recovery. Shows such as One Day at a Time and Modern Love were also praised for normalizing conversations surrounding therapy, anxiety, depression, and emotional wellbeing within everyday life.

Note: Anne Hathaway’s portrayal of her character in Modern Love who has bipolar disorder is brilliant—absolutely recommend watching.

In summary, the survey responses suggest that audiences are increasingly critical of harmful stereotypes and value portrayals that treat mental illness with nuance, compassion, and realism rather than sensationalism.

Final thoughts…

To talk about my personal view on the topic, entertainment media plays a crucial role in shaping and reinforcing public narratives surrounding mental illness. Since film, television, books, and popular culture reach such large audiences, the way mental health conditions are portrayed can influence how people understand, react to, and treat those living with these conditions. When media relies on shock value, fear, or dramatic exaggeration, it reinforces harmful stereotypes that portray mentally ill individuals as unstable, dangerous, or “broken”. For this reason, media creators carry a responsibility to portray mental illness with greater accuracy, nuance, and sensitivity rather than using it simply as a tool for suspense, horror, or entertainment.

A strong example of accurate mental illness representation—as mentioned by several of respondents from my survey—can be seen in One Day at a Time (one of my most favourite shows) through Penelope Alvarez, a military veteran and single mother. Her struggles with anxiety, depression, and PTSD are portrayed as realistic, ongoing conditions rather than exaggerated plot devices. The show depicts her panic attacks, emotional breakdowns, therapy, setbacks, and long-term reliance on medication in a way that feels honest and relatable, highlighting that mental illness is often a lifelong process rather than something easily “fixed”. For me, Penelope’s portrayal is especially meaningful because it humanizes mental illness, showing that it can look like someone quietly trying to cope with daily life while struggling internally.

I am further convinced that representing mental illness accurately in entertainment media is especially important when we look back on our history. Mental illness was historically often misunderstood or viewed through lenses of fear, superstition, moral failure, or personal weakness. People struggling with psychological conditions were stigmatized, isolated, institutionalized, or treated as societal outcasts because there was little understanding of mental health as a legitimate medical and human issue. Society has had to work hard over decades—through education, advocacy, research, and lived experiences—to challenge these harmful beliefs and create more open conversations around mental wellbeing. We have come a long way in becoming more informed, aware, and compassionate, but media has a role to play, whether it being supporting that progress or undoing it by repeating outdated stereotypes.

As audiences become more critical and socially aware, there is a growing demand for stories that treat mental illness with realism, compassion, and depth. Media should not simply reflect old stigmas for dramatic effect; it should contribute to a more informed and empathetic society. Responsible storytelling has the power to educate, normalize mental health struggles, reduce stigma, and remind us that mental illness is not a spectacle, but a deeply human experience deserving of understanding and care.

I’ve emphasized this in several of my previous articles, but I would like to restate it here because it is something I strongly believe in and wish to relentlessly advocate for: while media has a powerful influence on how we understand and interpret various issues, including mental illness, audiences are not passive consumers. We are capable of critical thinking, reflection, and questioning the narratives presented to us. If media representations shape perceptions in ways that are inaccurate or harmful, it becomes even more important to engage with them critically rather than accept them at face value. Through media literacy and awareness, we can challenge stereotypes, recognize exaggeration, and form more informed and balanced understandings of the world around us.

I guess what I’m trying to say is… question what is presented to you. Question this article, even. Form your own opinions and views on matters that pique your interest. Have interactive conversations and discussions with your friends.

After all, intellect is our strongest weapon, and the mind is its sanctum.