Unveiling 20 TV Characters That Stunningly Capture the Depths of Mental Illness

Representing mental health in popular media requires sensitivity and honesty. Unfortunately, many TV shows and movies have been criticized for perpetuating damaging stereotypes and reducing characters with mental disorders to clichés. However, modern media has risen to the challenge and is now providing a more accurate and diverse representation of mental health. One notable example is the show BoJack Horseman, which has received critical acclaim for its exploration of mental illness and has become a cultural icon.

Fortunately, mental illness is gradually becoming less taboo on television. This is partly due to actors and writers speaking out about their own experiences and encouraging viewers to seek support for their mental health. By telling serialized stories that show fictional characters learning to live with conditions such as depression and anxiety, we are able to break down barriers and encourage fans to discuss these topics openly. While it can be divisive to accurately depict mental illness in media, as symptoms can overlap and vary from person to person, these TV characters with mental disorders are leading the way in starting a dialogue and increasing understanding.

Rainbow Johnson (Black-ish)

Sitcoms rarely address mental health issues with sincerity, often resorting to reinforcing stereotypes for comedic effect. However, Black-ish stands out by successfully incorporating serious subjects into its comedy and daring to explore dramatic elements uncommon in sitcoms.

One particular storyline that garnered praise from viewers revolved around Bow, a character on Black-ish, coping with postpartum depression following the birth of her child. Despite the episode's brevity, it effectively portrayed Bow's inner struggle with guilt and her genuine emotions, while also shedding light on the perspective of other household members who may have been unaware of her condition. This portrayal of postpartum depression has been acclaimed as one of the most authentic and compelling in recent years.

Gretchen Cutler (You're The Worst)

You’re The Worst has been lauded as a unique take on the romantic comedy genre, but beneath its sarcastic humor, the show also tackles some weighty subjects. In Season 2, the focus shifts to shed light on Gretchen's battle with depression. At one point, she openly admits that her mind is "broken," which highlights her own feelings of inadequacy.

The revelation of her diagnosis allows viewers to understand that some of her behaviors stem from the emotional effects of her depression. While some viewers may have been hesitant about the show deviating from its comedic path, the episode received high praise from the LA Times, labeling it as television's most authentic portrayal of depression, particularly among characters faced with mental disorders.

Edgar Quintero (You're The Worst)

Also featured in You're The Worst is Edgar, a combat veteran who suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In contrast to Gretchen, whose mental illness is revealed as the show progresses, Edgar's PTSD is an integral part of his character from the very beginning. It is skillfully incorporated into his storylines with sensitivity and a level of realism that is not commonly found in comedies.

Throughout the series, Edgar grapples with his medications. He desires to take them in order to achieve some semblance of normalcy in his life, yet there are moments when he decides to completely forego them, as seen in Season 3. Viewers are given the opportunity to witness Edgar's struggles with sleep, paranoia, and treatment through his own perspective, rather than observing from an external viewpoint. The episode that sheds a spotlight on his experiences is titled "Twenty-Two," aiming to raise awareness about the alarming number of combat veterans who tragically end their lives on a daily basis.

Rebecca Bunch (Crazy Ex-Girlfriend)

Crazy Ex-Girlfriend is a highly enjoyable and unique musical series that successfully tackles serious subjects without alienating viewers or judging those who may relate to the characters. It addresses the rarely highlighted mental disorder of a TV character in a comedic and dramatic way.

Initially, fans speculated that Rebecca may be suffering from depression or a generalized anxiety disorder, as the show depicted her struggles with mental health. However, the narrative takes a turn when Rebecca reaches a breaking point and attempts to take her own life, leading to a diagnosis of Borderline Personality Disorder. Typically, fictional characters with BPD are portrayed negatively, but Rebecca's character represents a shift in this portrayal.

Carrie Mathison (Homeland)

Carrie Mathison, the main character in Homeland, leads a double life as both a highly skilled CIA agent and a person with bipolar disorder. Throughout the show, her portrayal effectively addresses the challenges and stigma faced by individuals with mental illness. In order to maintain her job, Carrie conceals her condition from her employers, fearing judgment and potential consequences if she cannot effectively manage her disorder.

Homeland provides viewers with a glimpse into Carrie's life when she has a strong support system and consistently takes her medication, as well as the contrasting experiences when she lacks these necessary elements. While bipolar disorder does not overpower the overall storyline, it significantly influences Carrie's choices and actions. While some audience members may view the show's portrayal of her diagnosis as simply a plot device, Psychology Today has deemed it remarkably accurate.

Jackson Marchetti (Sex Education)

Male characters grappling with mental illness are significantly outnumbered by their female counterparts in modern media, creating an inaccurate representation of reality. An exceptional example of a male TV character challenging this stereotype is Jackson Marchetti, who defies societal expectations with the support of his loved ones and embraces his mental health struggles. Despite being a highly accomplished swimmer in his school, consistently dating popular girls, and recently assuming the role of Head Boy, Jackson grapples with severe anxiety that drives him to inflict harm upon himself. His path to recovery involves reevaluating his relationship with swimming and his mothers, ultimately finding solace in the support of his friends and learning to openly share his feelings with others.

Beth Harmon (The Queen's Gambit)

Beth, the protagonist of The Queen's Gambit, experiences a childhood marked by orphanhood and self-reliance. Additionally, she forms a dependency on tranquilizer pills at a young age, which significantly affects her.

Although not explicitly identified in the series, Beth exhibits signs of mental distress through her relentless pursuit of victory. She purposefully undermines her own efforts by indulging in unhealthy habits such as excessive drinking, smoking, substance abuse, and immersing herself in sadness. She frequently isolates herself and consistently refuses assistance from others. In fact, a journalist even characterizes her as a brilliant but potentially mentally unstable individual.

Beth Cassidy (Dare Me)

Beth Cassidy is a lesser-known yet influential character who possesses a strong sense of power. However, her friendship with her best friend is jeopardized as they become closer to their new cheer coach. Beth perceives her hold over the team slipping away and experiences the effects of her mental disorders. Despite displaying symptoms of multiple conditions, Beth's mental illness remains unnamed in the depiction.

Seeking solace, Beth surrounds herself with toxic and abusive people, leading to self-isolation. She retreats into herself, neglecting messages and failing to fulfill commitments. Unfortunately, those around her fail to grasp the underlying challenges she faces because Beth struggles to convey her experiences truthfully. Such situations are regrettably common in the realm of mental illness, mirroring Beth's sense of loneliness.

Hannah Horvath (Girls)

Lena Dunham takes on the role of the main character in HBO's Girls,

Sydney Novak (I Am Not Okay With This)

. Hannah Horvath navigates the challenges of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), a widely recognized but inadequately represented mental illness in the media. Additionally, she grapples with financial instability throughout her journey. It is during moments of heightened stress that Hannah predominantly experiences the symptoms associated with OCD, resulting in commendation from viewers for its accurate portrayal. Traditionally, OCD has often been subject to mockery or used as meme material, yet Hannah's depiction contributes to a shift in this narrative.

Sydney, an adolescent filled with angst, grapples with the aftermath of her father's untimely death, her romantic emotions towards her closest confidant, and her sudden acquisition of otherworldly powers. These extraordinary abilities, as it turns out, serve as symbolic manifestations of her mental well-being.

Sydney's experiences with anxiety and depression are intertwined with her inherited powers, which she obtained from her father, who suffered from PTSD. Whenever she feels anxious, angry, frustrated, embarrassed, or sad, her telekinetic outbursts become physical manifestations of these complex emotions. Additionally, these outbursts serve as a relatable tool for the audience to comprehend Sydney's feelings, especially for those who may struggle with empathizing with such emotions.

BoJack Horseman (BoJack Horseman)

BoJack Horseman delves into the challenges faced by its main character, who grapples with addiction, depression, and the lasting impact of a neglected childhood. This Netflix series skillfully merges BoJack's poignant and intense narrative with a touch of surreal humor, delivering profound insight into mental health rarely seen in animated shows. The show's characters have emerged as iconic figures, representing individuals with mental disorders in popular culture.

Alyssa (The End Of The F****ing World)

BoJack's character goes beyond being two-dimensional as it authentically showcases his mental health issues and battle with addiction. Raphael Bob-Waksberg, the creator of BoJack, expressed his intention to accurately depict BoJack's depression and delve into the myriad of reasons behind his behavior.

Season 2 of The End Of The F***ing World finds Alyssa navigating the aftermath of the first season, delving deeply into her mental health. Her journey is a raw exploration of depression and the process of healing from trauma. The portrayal of Alyssa's character in season 2 is both authentic and respectful, capturing the disconnection from reality that she experiences. In an interview, actress Jessica Barden revealed that Alyssa grapples with depression without fully comprehending it.

Diane (BoJack Horseman)

Rae (My Mad Fat Diary)

Throughout BoJack Horseman, there is a prevailing sense that Diane and BoJack have a deep understanding of each other, and a significant factor in this connection is their shared struggles with mental health. In the first half of season 6, Diane's battle with depression is explicitly addressed when her new partner, Guy, encourages her to consider taking anti-depressants. Diane's struggle is portrayed with honesty and vulnerability. Just as BoJack finds solace in rehab and embarks on his journey toward recovery, Diane's decision to seek medication for her mental well-being mirrors his path. As the season comes to a close, a revitalized Diane reunites with Guy at the airport, accepting the reality of their connection and leaving her defeat over Dawson's Creek behind.

Airing on E4 in 2016, the British comedy-drama "My Mad Fat Diary" follows the story of Rae, a teenager who finds herself readjusting to life after being discharged from a psychiatric hospital. Portrayed as a lovable and heart-warming character, Rae's journey highlights her battle with self-esteem and mental health issues, all depicted in a poignant and compassionate manner.

Set in the mid-1990s,

Jessica Jones (Jessica Jones)

follows the journey of Rae as she rekindles her bond with her closest companions. The series garnered critical acclaim for its authentic depiction of mental well-being and subtle wit, as Rae's voice-over offers a humorous perspective on her struggle against her inner demons.

The TV series Jessica Jones delves deep into the realm of post-traumatic stress disorder. Jessica herself emerges as a relatable protagonist, demonstrating her emotional strength alongside her physical prowess. Particularly, in Season 1, her entanglement with Kilgrave offers a chilling portrayal of abuse and trauma. The final showdown between Jessica and Kilgrave provides a gratifying conclusion to the despicable antagonist's arc. Notably, Jessica Jones has garnered acclaim for its emphasis on placing women in the spotlight. In the show's third and final season, an inevitable clash between Jessica and Trish takes center stage. As Trish grapples with her own addiction and feelings of inadequacy, she transforms into a sympathetic yet villainous character.

Rick (Rick And Morty)

Like the popular show BoJack Horseman, Rick and Morty also utilizes the animated comedy format to delve into real-life issues. One of the key elements of the series is its exploration of existentialism, which directly ties to Rick Sanchez's battle with depression as he struggles to find purpose in a seemingly boundless multiverse. The infamous "Pickle Rick" episode provides a fascinating glimpse into Rick's psyche, as he transforms himself into a pickle as a means of avoiding his emotional challenges. Eventually, Rick chooses to confront his feelings and participates in family therapy, where he receives an insightful and honest evaluation of his behavior.

Princess Carolyn (BoJack Horseman)

Princess Carolyn's character arc in BoJack Horseman provides a relatable glimpse into high-functioning depression, highlighting a stark contrast to BoJack himself. In an attempt to divert her attention, Princess Carolyn immerses herself in her work, only to find that her hectic life as an agent spirals into even more chaos. In the sixth season, her relentless drive reaches new heights as she juggles her career and motherhood. The visual depiction of her multiple selves tirelessly engaged in work serves as a poignant representation of her sheer exhaustion.

James (The End Of The F ***ing World)

Elliot (Mr. Robot)

: In the early stages of The End Of The F***ing World, James is convinced he is a psychopath and enters a relationship with Alyssa, intending to end her life. However, Alex Lawther, the actor who portrays James, revealed that despite his character's perception, he is actually "very, very sad." James suppresses the pain of his mother's suicide and experiences emotional detachment and isolation. It is through his connection with Alyssa that he begins to reconnect with his emotions, leading to personal growth and mutual enlightenment between the two characters.

In Mr. Robot, Elliot grapples with disassociative identity disorder, depression, and anxiety, presenting a raw and authentic depiction of his struggles. Creator Sam Esmail collaborated with a psychologist and drew from personal experiences to develop Elliot's character. To cope, Elliot resorts to drugs and alcohol while isolating himself from the world. Esmail explains that Elliot is "suppressing the pain" and disconnecting from reality. With its profound portrayal of characters with mental disorders, Mr. Robot has emerged as a deeply thought-provoking series in the contemporary era.

Randall (This Is Us)

Randall's role in This Is Us sheds light on mental health challenges, particularly addressing the stigma and difficulties faced by men dealing with mental illness. Throughout the series, Randall grapples with anxiety and initially hesitates to seek therapy. According to research by the National Institute of Mental Health, men are statistically less inclined to seek mental health treatment compared to women, a factor that likely played a role in Randall's choice. This struggle to embrace assistance is a recurring theme in contemporary TV depictions of characters with mental disorders, mirroring real-life experiences.