Written by: Aishwarya Samptur
Edited by: Tiffany Ang
Mental illness is often portrayed in a negative light through most media. There is a perpetual stigma surrounding individuals who deal with such issues, through media depictions of characters with these illnesses consistently presenting them in a negative light. Negative media portrayal of individuals has led to an evident observation that the public views those with mental illnesses as dangerous, unpredictable, unattractive, unworthy, and unlikely ever to be productive members of their communities.” (Farina, 1982; Fink & Tasman, 1992; Nunnally, 1961; Rabkin, 1974). When specifically observing media portrayal of individuals with depression, individuals are generally portrayed as boring, depressing to be around, and unappreciative of life around them. This negative portrayal that is consistently pushed out by the media through inaccurate depictions of mental health negatively influences individuals who deal with such mental illness. Hence, due to how they internalize the stigma that is publicized in the media, individuals tend to withdraw from society, refuse to seek help for fear of disdain, and exhibit reluctance to address their emotions in a healthy manner.
While most media is notorious for negatively presenting mental health, the critically acclaimed 2015 Pixar film Inside Out has been known as one of the few movies, specifically children’s films, to depict depression, or any mental health issue for that matter, in a digestible yet neutral manner. The movie focuses on navigating the emotions that come with growing up and adjusting to a new lifestyle, all from a child’s perspective. The animation and personality of the characters allows for an engaging plot while also realistically portraying how individuals may be affected by mental health issues. Besides a realistic portrayal of how poor mental health affects an individual’s decisions and perspective on life, the film opens up the conversation of the importance of acknowledging and expressing one’s sadness and negative emotions to reap the benefits of a balanced mental state. “Whereas popular narratives often depict depression as “developing” as a result of sadness, this film suggestively depicts depression as taking root because Riley lacks access to expressing her sadness.” (Markotić, 165) This concept, in particular, is incredibly important to display through media. As mentioned earlier, negative portrayals of mental health in the media further encourage the stigma against having these struggles. Consequently, individuals who have mental illnesses are more inclined to ignore their emotions and mental struggles due to the stigma surrounding what they go through. The film does a wonderful job of pointing out the public’s tendency to encourage individuals who are struggling with being upset to mask their sadness and try to be outwardly happy to satisfy those around them. “The imposition of joviality, or at least its appearance, causes Riley to spiral deeper into misery. By the end of the film, when Riley eventually finds and embraces her sadness (and when Joy embraces the character Sadness), the child becomes better equipped to shoulder not only difficult emotional moments but also her own multiplicity” (Markotić, 165).
In conclusion, Inside Out was revolutionary in publicly portraying mental health in a relatable and accurate way. Not only was the approach done in a way that supports individuals and reduces stigma around mental health struggles, it does an incredible job of normalizing these mental health issues that an immense number of people experience. The choice to introduce such an important concept through a children’s film is admirable and exposes the importance of acknowledging one’s emotions and mental health to younger viewers. Through its magical and animated portrayal of a struggle that is shared by many, Inside Out has made its impact on the film industry, along with hosting an appreciation from individuals who experience depression and were able to see themselves reflected accurately.
References:
WAHL, O. (2003). Depictions of mental illnesses in children’s media. Journal of Mental Health, 12(3), 249–258. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/0963823031000118230
Markotić, N. (2019). The Many in the One: Depression and Multiple Subjectivities in Inside Out. Journal of Cinema and Media Studies, 58(4), 162–169. https://www.jstor.org/stable/26742050
Commentaires