Psychologist reacts to mental health portrayals in TV shows and films

While the topic of mental health has made significant improvements in mainstream society to becoming more normalised and accepted in the past decade, there still exist many misconceptions surrounding it. 

From labelling people who exhibit stereotypical traits with a disorder (no, someone does not have OCD just because they’re neat) to potentially triggering vulnerable individuals with our words or actions, there is still much to learn about the complex nature of mental health—and the hyperbolic or comical depictions of such disorders seen in TV and film certainly do not help. 

In fact, much of our understanding of mental health comes from our consumption of pop culture media, which can lead to detrimental and even harmful results in forming unconscious biases and shaping our treatment of mentally compromised individuals. As Amanda Xavier, a clinical psychologist, explains, “When we see mental health portrayed in the media, please take it with a pinch of salt! These are depictions meant for drama, entertainment, and interest. Although there are many accurate representations of mental health in the media, there can also be wrong or false information.”

Xavier, who is also a director at the therapy centre Minda Psychology Services, seeks to dispel these misunderstandings and preconceived notions. With her social media account, Pocket of Care, she hopes to educate the general public on what mental health actually looks like. With so much still to unlearn and re-learn about mental health, we asked Xavier to react to mental health portrayals seen in popular TV shows and films to let us in on just how accurate they are. Watch the video above for her reactions!

While this topic might seem too heavy or bleak to discuss during the holiday season, it’s actually during this period that we should look out for those struggling with their mental health all the more as feelings of loneliness and depression can intensify. As we celebrate the spirit of togetherness and unity this festive season, let this remind us to be kind and empathetic towards one another. If you know someone who is struggling with their mental health, consider taking them out for a meal or sending them a warm wish. As Xavier reminds us, “A little empathy goes a long way.”

Read on for Xavier’s full thoughts on how well The Good Doctor, Joker, The Big Bang Theory and more fared on the accuracy meter.

 

The Good Doctor on Autism

AX: “Autism presents differently in everyone, and while there are similarities that comprise the diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder, emotional reactions can look different. When Shaun states these remarks about Lea, most people who are not neurodivergent would think these are meant to hurt her. However, his initial statement about smashing the car as a way to hurt her showed that he could not. 

“The remarks he made were coming from a place of truth, and were unfiltered and direct, even with the strong emotions he seems to be experiencing. Shaun was expressing himself fully in the moment (when he could have had a meltdown that would have been more destructive to himself) showing his ability to still respond in a way that is aligned to social norms about behaviour.”

AX: “This is a very popular clip that circulated on social media when it came out, and with most viral clips—it became a meme. Unfortunately, the way Shaun behaves in this scene is quite an accurate emotional expression of how hard it is to be an autistic person in an allistic (or non-autistic) world. 

“It is already difficult for many autistic individuals to maintain a career that isn’t accommodating to their unique needs, but when expectations to fit in and act “normal” come into the picture, I understand why Shaun has reacted the way he had in this clip. For lack of any other means to clearly define his point, he states that he is a surgeon multiple times, because that is the objective truth he knows.”

Overall verdict: 9/10

 

Silver Linings Playbook on Bipolar Disorder

AX: “Just from the symptoms in this clip, it’s not enough for a diagnosis of Bipolar I Disorder. In fact, a diagnosis can only be made if we see Pat in this intense mood depicting mania for at least a week, and other associated symptoms such as inflated sense of self, flight of ideas, reckless behaviour, and more. 

“If he had Bipolar 2 Disorder, we would need to see hypomania, which are similar symptoms to mania, except that it lasts for at least 4 consecutive days, and at least one Major Depressive Episode lasting at least two weeks. Pat’s impulsivity to throw the book out of the window once he’s done and agitated by its ending, and his excessive energy and decreased need for sleep (waking his parents to comment on the book) are not enough to showcase Bipolar Disorder, merely some symptoms that might allude to the diagnosis.”

Overall verdict: 5/10

 

Sherlock on Psychopathy/Sociopathy

AX: “Is there enough information to truly understand the difference between sociopaths and psychopaths? The conflicting articles from a quick Google search say no. But generally, the terms are used outside of a clinical or scientific setting to describe someone callous, apathetic, unremorseful, and behaves in a manner that violates other’s rights. Sociopaths may be the lesser of two evils, with psychopaths being used to describe those with more criminal behaviour. 

“As Sherlock mentions, he is a high-functioning sociopath, which can be seen through his direct, flat emotional affect in threatening the poor man across from him, and the purposeful and unfeeling grin to make him feel even more uncomfortable. However, can it truly be said that he is a sociopath? 

“Not from this clip alone, and maybe not truly from the entire show. He doesn’t show enough symptoms to warrant a diagnosis of Antisocial Personality Disorder (the actual diagnostic label for sociopathy/psychopathy), but he sure knows how to use his strengths with knowledge, observation and manipulation as a detective, to hide his weaknesses with emotionality, social relationships and empathy as a human being.”

Overall verdict: 2/10

 

Split on Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID)

AX: “With Split, there are two things to be aware of: the accuracy of how difficult and frightening it is to live with Dissociative Identity Disorder and the use of villainizing mental health disorders in the media as a plot shtick. Firstly, the movie does a good job showcasing an extreme case of DID, with some identities more whole and holding a stronger presence in Kevin, and some presenting only a few moments for a recording. Most of the time with DID, only several identities would hold the fort and present for much longer periods, even if they have more than 20 identities in their system. 

“It was revealed that Kevin experienced childhood trauma resulting in the need to form an identity as a protective force, which is accurate to most DID presentations in real life. On the second point of villainization, the Beast’s identity was used as an antagonistic, murderous, and violent counterpart, even having physical transformations that are superhuman. We can take it as a fictional characterization, but unfortunately, too many mental health disorders have already been depicted in such a polarising way. 

“Of course, the literal wall-climbing abilities do not manifest in DID, but another identity of Kevin’s showing a diabetic condition when his regular blood sugar level is normal may be truthful, as some DID individuals with differing levels of blood sugar among their identities have been documented.”

Overall verdict: 8/10

 

The Big Bang Theory on Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

AX: “These clips do show the obsessive-compulsive disorder’s symptoms quite clearly, except for how much Sheldon’s obsessive beliefs affect him. Most people with OCD struggle with stopping their behaviours as they believe that something terrible may happen to them, their families, friends, or the world around them, if they do not complete their compulsions. Sheldon’s behaviours seem like OCD but may actually be a part of another diagnosis, autism; or even personality disorders like obsessive-compulsive personality disorder or schizoid personality disorder. 

“Based on his behaviours throughout the show, I lean towards autism for Sheldon. He showcases different rules for social functioning compared to his friends, the need for sameness and routines, varied strong personal interests, sensory sensitivity, and difficulty adapting to change. Keep in mind that again, autism presents differently in each autistic person, and that this is a comedy sitcom made for laughs, so many of Sheldon’s quirks are meant for a hilarious outcome. It doesn’t mean that the traits are not true or completely falsified, instead, it’s just Sheldon’s autism.”

Overall verdict: 9/10

 

Joker on Neurological Disorders, depression and access to mental health

AX: “In this clip, there are some hard truths, in regard to access to mental health. As we see throughout the movie, Arthur has a neurological condition that results in laughing fits, and makes him laugh when he experiences intense feelings of sadness. He has experienced childhood trauma and abuse, difficulty earning a living, and chronic depression, and he is relying on social services for medication for his condition. He also experiences delusions about his neighbour, believing that they are in a romantic situation. 

“When he was assaulted by the three men he mentioned in this clip, he shot them in self-defence, but the reality of causing death paired with his lack of medication and psychological support (and other ongoing experiences throughout the film) led to a total breakdown of his psyche. It is a sad depiction of the importance of mental health access, awareness and support, especially when people aren’t able to receive them consistently.

“Although this is another portrayal of a villain’s origin story based on their mental health, it can help us understand more about the minds and actions of people pushed to the edge with no one providing them empathy and compassion.”

Overall verdict: 8/10

 

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