Proper representation and inclusion are two factors that are of great importance in Hollywood’s current agenda. Casting directors have become much more intentional about employing a diverse cast, and film developers have made this even more profound by digging into untold stories of minorities and showing a new perspective that underrepresented populations can relate to.

We have seen great progress in diversification in films, but one area that could still use more attention is that of mental health. With the vast majority of individuals that are diagnosed with some sort of mental illness, it is of utmost importance that they are being represented correctly in films. In order to show the true scale of mental illness and its reality, films need to be more intentional about breaking down biases and showcasing the reality of mental health and how it relates to race, gender, socio-economic status, culture, and one’s background.

How Do Movies Approach Mental Health?

When it comes to mental health and its portrayal in the media, one could easily deduce that Hollywood is not stepping into this character diversity as much as it should be. Simply in America, it is estimated that a total of 25% of the population (1 in 4 adults) suffers from some sort of diagnosable mental illness. When translated over to films, this would mean that 1 in 4 individuals would also have their lives affected by a mental disorder. However, it is rare that this is the case. While representation is becoming more widespread, filmmakers need to find a way to introduce this character depth without making it the entire plot ofo the story or misrepresenting them.

Mental health might be a part of some movies, but it is not always showcased in the proper light. In many instances, films tend to make a joke out of these disorders or depict the character as “crazy” or violent, even though that would not be how an individual would behave in real life. These stereotypes can give individuals the wrong impression and continue the unhealthy stigma regarding mental health.

How Can Films Improve Their Portrayal of Mental Health?

Hollywood still has a long way to go in its portrayal of mental health, but one large step they can take is doing more research into various mental disorders in order to accurately represent such individuals. Another aspect that filmmakers should be wary of is making the mental illness a character’s entire personality. This imprecise depiction has worsened many individuals’ views of themselves, as there is far more depth to a person than their mental illness. While inclusion is important, it is of equal value to showcase a complex character just as you would with a character devoid of mental illness.