2 Netflix Mental Health Shows Highly Rated by Psychologists

Depression and addiction are common mental health problems faced by millions of people around the world. However, despite the prevalence of these issues, popular culture and media often struggle to realistically portray these issues. This means either sensationalizing for shock or entertainment, or minimizing complexity for a simpler, more understandable storyline.

This kind of careless expression is extremely irritating. But ironically, two very different Netflix series break this mold and express these issues in gritty, fresh, and authentic ways. Here’s why both of his works have been praised by psychologists for their authentic and skillful depictions of mental health struggles.

1. bojack horseman (2014–2020)

bojack horseman is a darkly comedic animated series that follows the life of a run-of-the-mill ’90s sitcom star struggling to find purpose in a world moving on without him. Set in a world where humans and anthropomorphic animals coexist, the show delves into BoJack’s struggles with depression, addiction, and the effects of his self-destructive behavior. Over the course of six seasons, the series unflinchingly depicts the ups and downs of BoJack’s attempts to find happiness and meaning.

Comedy and animation often trivialize or downplay depression and addiction, exploiting these issues as mere humor or simplifying them to avoid disturbing the audience. Characters dealing with these struggles are often portrayed as one-dimensional, reducing their complexity to a series of jokes or overly simplistic storylines. This approach can make portrayals of mental health seem superficial and detached from the harsh realities faced by those suffering from these conditions, ultimately reinforcing harmful stereotypes and undermining the seriousness of these issues.

In contrast to these trivializing depictions, actual research on depression and addiction shows how closely related they are and how often people who suffer from both are believed. It highlights how poorly people experience a quality of life. Depression can manifest as a persistent and debilitating condition that affects every aspect of a person’s life, while addiction can lead to cycles of self-destruction that are difficult to break. Simplifying these experiences fails to accurately represent the profound impact these situations have on an individual’s career, relationships, and well-being, and is therefore difficult for viewers, especially those who have been personally affected by the experience. It will be a disadvantage to the person.

BoJack Horseman “BoJack brilliantly subverts stereotypical portrayals of mental health issues with its humorous yet honest portrayal of the ups and downs of depression and addiction. The show’s creators embrace the confusion and discomfort that comes with these struggles, presenting a protagonist who is deeply flawed, yet undeniably human. BoJack’s journey is filled with moments of self-awareness and regression, reflecting the non-linear path many people with mental health issues experience.”

The researchers praised the series’ realistic presentation, saying, “BoJack allows audiences to discover a highly confessional memoir about a battle with mental health, and this psychiatric familiarity “This is what sets this show apart from other depictions of introductory issues.”

BoJack, an alcoholic with a damaged masculinity who sometimes struggles with pride, narcissism, and addiction, is portrayed with depth that avoids hasty generalizations. The show recognizes that such depictions are inadvertent and counterproductive to raising awareness and destigmatizing mental illness, and does not identify a single cause for the trauma suffered by its characters. It is not intended for that purpose. Instead, BoJack Horseman It offers a multifaceted, empathetic portrayal that resonates with all viewers.

2. Queen’s Gambit (2020)

The Queen’s Gambit The film centers on Beth Harmon, an orphaned chess prodigy who makes a name for herself in the male-dominated world of chess in the 1960s. Alongside her quest to become better at chess, Beth battles serious personal demons, including an addiction to tranquilizers and alcohol stemming from a traumatic childhood and the pressures on her talent. The series meticulously depicts her journey through addiction and the isolating effects of her genius.

Dramas often sensationalize the depression and addiction of high achievers in order to create a compelling story. Sexual, violent, or shocking aspects are often emphasized to enhance the story or presentation, and the recovery process is often simplified to show the ultimate triumph of genius. This approach can lead to distorted depictions that overlook the complexities and ongoing struggles inherent in these issues, reducing them to dramatic plot points rather than authentic lived experiences.

Psychological research reveals that depression and addiction among high-achieving youth are significant and pervasive problems. Studies show that substance abuse and depression are prevalent among high-achieving, talented young people, with up to 23% meeting diagnostic criteria for substance abuse or addiction. In reality, these psychological conditions are rarely as orderly, glamorous, and fun as media portrayals suggest. Rather, they are often inconsistent, confusing, and a very lonely lifelong struggle. High achievers can face significant pressure and isolation, which can exacerbate their struggles with mental health and substance use.

the queen’s gambit The series brilliantly subverts these stereotypical portrayals with its gritty portrayal of how lonely and unforgiving this struggle can be for high achievers. The series offers a transparent view of Beth’s addiction, showing how her downward spiral is constantly fuelled by her unresolved trauma.

from research British Journal of Psychiatry “While some have argued that the portrayal of Beth’s recovery from addiction is unrealistic, these criticisms fail to take into account the detailed presentation of the factors that led to Beth’s drug use and subsequent sobriety. Rather than sensationalizing or trivializing Beth’s suffering, the series carefully details how Beth’s drug use was consistently driven by shame, anxiety, and loneliness, and presents in careful detail the factors that contributed to her addiction and subsequent sobriety.

According to the authors, this depiction is consistent with a real-life pattern, in which addressing the underlying problem is the most essential part of recovery from addiction. This long, painful to watch, but true depiction of trauma and addiction… the queen’s gambit A cultural artifact important to understanding and discussing mental health.

Do you often watch psychologically sensationalized content? Psychological Misconception Questionnaire To find out why.