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The Perks Of Being A Wallflower Psychological Disorder

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Recommended: Importance of the therapeutic relationship

Brief Summary This paper will aim to showcase the portrayal of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in the film "The Perks of Being a Wallflower" directed by Stephen Chbosky. Although the assignment only calls for one disorder analysis, I decided to do both MDD and PTSD since they are so inextricably linked in Charlie’s case, and I cannot find myself writing about one while excluding the other. "The Perks of Being a Wallflower" is a powerful coming-of-age drama movie that follows the story of Charlie, a shy and introverted high-school freshman struggling to cope with the suicide of his best friend, as well as the untimely death of his aunt in a car accident. Charlie is brilliant and excels academically, …show more content…

CBT is a form of psychotherapy that focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to psychological distress (Craske, 2017). CBT is not explicitly showcased as a form of treatment, however, some of the principles of CBT can be observed in the way that Charlie's therapist Dr. Burton interacts with him. Dr. Burton encourages Charlie to talk about his feelings and offers him support and validation in an individualized, trauma-focused manner. She builds a relationship with Charlie and does not press him for questions when she sees that he is visibly shaken when reflecting on his aunt. This type of therapy aligns with some of the principles of CBT, such as focusing on thoughts and feelings and working towards specific goals. “Charlie, are you going to let me help you here?”, is a question that Dr. Burton poses to Charlie when he begins to close off from speaking about his aunt. It is also heavily indicated that he continues to meet with Dr. Burton after being released from the hospital, which highlights the importance of continuing therapy to prevent relapse and solidify progress. Moreover, the movie highlights the importance of the therapeutic relationship between the therapist and …show more content…

I do recognize, however, that “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” is a work of fiction, and over a decade old, so I applaud it for being more accurate compared to much of the media released at the time. As mental health awareness continues to grow in our society, it is important that media portrayals of mental illness are accurate, respectful, and informative, and that they promote understanding and empathy towards those who are struggling with mental health issues. “We are infinite” is a quote by Charlie that encapsulates the main takeaway of the film. It represents the feeling of boundlessness and possibility that can come with being part of a close-knit group of friends like Patrick and Sam. A support system is crucial for those suffering from any psychological disorder, and Charlie, along with his friends, support this idea

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In the last few years, the representation of people suffering from mental illness in popular culture has greatly increased, showing actual teenagers that characters and idols have real problems in everyday life. One of the literary leaders in this psychological revolution is the novel, and recent film, The Perks of Being a Wallflower. Throughout this story, the viewer learns about different types of mental disorders from depression, to post-traumatic stress disorder, to schizophrenia. The events that occur throughout this storyline show real-life situations and struggles that teenagers go through. Stephen Chbosky expertly handles the topic of mental illness in the novel and film, The Perks of Being a Wallflower.

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1. The Perks of being a Wallflower is a story about a high school freshman named Charlie. Through the entire novel Charlie is writing letters addressed to an anonymous friend. In these letters, he talks about his journey throughout his first year in high school. Where he experiences everything for the first time – first dates, family drama, drugs and new friends. In other words; growing up.

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He sees things. He keeps quiet. He understands. The Perks of Being a Wallflower’s main character Charlie, is a wallflower: reserved, isolated, and observant. Like a fly on the wall, he stays in the background, and goes unnoticed by many.

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It is believed the most influential model in treatment methods of depression has been Aaron Beck’s cognitive theory of depression (Beck 1976). Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is the most widely practised branch of psychotherapy. It was developed in the seventies by Professor Aaron T Beck. He concluded that in his treatment of depression, a combination of cognitive and behaviour therapies were more effective than psychoanalysis. By using clinical observation of depressed patients Beck was able to come to the conclusion that patients had a negative cognitive triad where they had a negative view of themselves, the world and their future.

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The perks of being a wallflower is about a socially awkward teenager, Charlie. He decided to write letters to his unnamed friend to let out what he is going through. The starting of his first year in high school was tough because of his one true friend, Michael committed suicide. After a week or so he over comes his shyness and then he met Sam and Patrick who becomes his best friend.

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The presence of it in the main character of a popular film draws attention to the issue, and if anything, increases overall awareness of psychological disorders due to the staggering popularity of movies. The downside is that the way in which these disorders are portrayed in film often exaggerates them, and rarely shows any sort of treatment or resolve for the characters who have the disorders. This popular culture portrayal can make it seem as if there is no way to get help, when there are so many treatments that could benefit the individual. It should be more important to the film directors to include more references to treatment or to consequences should the disorder not go untreated. Additionally, the more realistic the portrayal of the disorder is, the more it can grab people’s attention.

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