Why is the portrayal of mental health unrealistic in TV/Film? The portrayal of mental health in TV and Film is represented as unrealistic, and somewhat offensive to those who suffer with mental health issues. Many criticisms have been made about why these TV shows and movies are still being allowed to air, as they have negative influences and are consequently harming societies depiction of people with mental health problems. However, many shows and films have been highly praised for their presentation of mental health being realistic, such as ‘You’re the Worst’ and soaps such as ‘Eastenders.’ This positive and almost revolutionary step in the right direction has had a favourable response from both the general public, and spokespeople for charities such as Mind. The misinterpretations that we have all seen on Tv or in films seriously affects our view of those affected by mental health problems, all adding to the stigma that surrounds it. It is a given that people will think, because of shows and …show more content…
During Skins’ third and fourth season, one of the many protagonists Effy was a personified glamorisation of mental health issues and drug abuse, keeping in mind that the show was targeted towards young people and teenagers. Her character contributed to the unhealthy stereotype that mental illnesses are cool, as thousands of young girls looked up to the drug abusing beauty and tried to copy her alternative style and mental instability. This dangerous lifestyle choice has led to a worldwide phenomenon of fansites and blogs, such as ‘effstonemm,’ romanticising gifs and pictures of not only Effys erratic behaviour and ongoing health problems, but the whole cast. As well as this, thousands of Skins gifs are still circulating the internet 3 years on from the show