Mental Health in Literature: A Reflection of Society and Self
Mental health has always been a part of literature, even when it wasn’t called that. From Shakespeare’s Hamlet to Sylvia Plath’s The Bell Jar, writers have explored the complexities of the human mind, often reflecting their era’s attitudes toward mental well-being. Whether as a plot device, a character trait, or the central theme, the portrayal of mental health in literature offers us a mirror to society’s evolving understanding of the mind and its struggles.
The portrayal of mental health in classic literature is often shaped by the time in which it was written. In earlier periods, mental health was frequently misunderstood, and characters with mental illness were either vilified or romanticized. Consider Shakespeare’s Ophelia in Hamlet. Her descent into madness is poetic but tragic, her mental health a device to evoke sympathy rather than understanding. Similarly, in Charlotte Perkins Gilman’s The Yellow Wallpaper, the unnamed protagonist’s postpartum depression and eventual breakdown are depicted through the lens of oppressive societal norms and misguided medical practices. These works highlight how mental health was often treated as a mystery—or worse, as a moral failing.
Fast forward to the 20th century, and we see a shift toward a more nuanced portrayal. Authors like Sylvia Plath and Ken Kesey used literature to delve into the lived experiences of those grappling with mental health challenges. Plath’s The Bell Jar is a raw and unflinching portrayal of depression, capturing the isolation and despair that often accompany it. Ken Kesey’s One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest critiques the institutionalization of mental illness, challenging the dehumanizing practices of psychiatric care. These works not only humanized mental health struggles but also sparked conversations about how society treats those who face them.
Modern literature has continued this trend, offering even greater diversity in its portrayal of mental health. Today’s stories often reject the one-size-fits-all narrative of mental illness, opting instead for complex, multi-dimensional characters. In Matt Haig’s Reasons to Stay Alive, readers are invited into the author’s personal battle with depression and anxiety, presented with honesty and hope. Similarly, Celeste Ng’s Everything I Never Told You explores how family dynamics and societal expectations can shape mental health, showing the interconnectedness of external pressures and internal struggles.
But literature doesn’t just reflect mental health—it shapes our understanding of it. When authors write about mental illness, they give readers a way to empathize with experiences that may be foreign to them. Characters like Holden Caulfield in The Catcher in the Rye or Esther Greenwood in The Bell Jar allow readers to step into the shoes of someone grappling with anxiety, depression, or trauma. This act of stepping into another’s perspective fosters empathy, breaking down the stigma that often surrounds mental health discussions.
At the same time, literature can also perpetuate harmful stereotypes. Consider how villains in many stories are often portrayed as “mad” or “insane.” These portrayals reinforce the idea that mental illness is synonymous with danger or evil, which can contribute to stigma in real life. Similarly, the trope of the “tragic genius” romanticizes mental illness, suggesting that suffering is a prerequisite for creativity or brilliance. While these narratives can make for compelling stories, they risk oversimplifying and misrepresenting the realities of mental health.
So, what makes a good portrayal of mental health in literature? Authenticity is key. Characters should feel real, their struggles grounded in truth rather than cliché. The best portrayals also go beyond the individual, examining the societal factors that influence mental health. For example, Angie Thomas’s The Hate U Give touches on how systemic racism and trauma impact mental well-being, offering a broader context for individual struggles.
Literature’s power lies in its ability to hold up a mirror to society while also imagining new possibilities. By portraying mental health with honesty and empathy, authors can challenge outdated ideas and encourage a more compassionate understanding of the human mind. Whether it’s through a historical lens or a contemporary one, these stories remind us that mental health is not a plot device but a deeply human experience deserving of dignity and care.
As readers, we have a role to play too. By seeking out stories that portray mental health with authenticity and complexity, we can expand our own understanding and empathy. The next time you pick up a book, ask yourself: how does this story treat its characters’ mental health? Is it reflective of reality, or does it rely on outdated tropes?
In the end, the portrayal of mental health in literature isn’t just about the stories we tell—it’s about the conversations those stories spark. And if literature has taught us anything, it’s that stories have the power to change minds, one reader at a time.
Let’s Talk
Let’s dive deeper into how mental health is portrayed in literature. Have you ever thought about how a character’s mental health shapes your view of them? For instance, when you read about someone like Holden Caulfield, do you see a troubled teen, a misunderstood soul, or someone who just needs a good therapist? And what does that say about how we, as readers, process mental health narratives?
Here’s a twist: why do you think authors are so drawn to writing about mental health? Is it because it’s an easy way to add depth to a character, or is it because it resonates with something deeply human? Let’s face it—everybody has moments of doubt, anxiety, or sadness. Literature, in a way, takes those moments and magnifies them so we can see ourselves more clearly. But here’s the tricky part: are authors always fair? Do they represent mental health accurately, or do they sometimes sensationalize it for drama?
Think about the “mad genius” trope. It’s everywhere—artists, writers, even scientists depicted as brilliant but tormented. Sure, it makes for compelling reading, but is it realistic? Or does it perpetuate the myth that creativity and mental health struggles go hand in hand? I mean, can’t we have a happy, well-adjusted genius for once? Imagine Albert Einstein writing equations with a smoothie in one hand and a yoga mat in the other. Doesn’t quite fit the stereotype, does it?
Here’s another angle: have you ever connected with a character so deeply that it felt like they were speaking your own thoughts? That’s the beauty of literature—it creates this shared humanity, even across centuries. But it also raises a question: what happens when mental health is misrepresented? Does it create stigma? Think about all the villains in stories who are described as “insane” or “mad.” Are we subtly reinforcing the idea that mental illness is dangerous?
And let’s not forget the impact literature has beyond the page. When a book like The Bell Jar becomes a cultural touchstone, it sparks real-world conversations. But do we read these stories just to understand the characters, or are we secretly hoping to understand ourselves? That’s the magic of literature—it doesn’t just tell us about others; it holds up a mirror to our own experiences.
So here’s something to chew on: how can we, as readers, approach these stories more thoughtfully? Maybe it’s about recognizing the layers—seeing the character’s mental health not as a plot device but as part of their humanity. And maybe it’s about taking those lessons off the page and into our lives, becoming more empathetic, more aware, and—dare I say—better storytellers ourselves.
Let’s Learn Vocabulary in Context
Let’s unpack some words that came up earlier and see how they connect to our everyday lives. They’re not just literary terms—they’re part of how we understand ourselves and the world around us.
First up is “portrayal”. This means how something or someone is represented, like how a book portrays mental health or how you portray yourself on Instagram. If you’re curating a highlight reel of your life, is it an honest portrayal?
Next is “stigma”, which refers to negative stereotypes or judgments about a group or condition. For example, mental health has often been surrounded by stigma, but conversations—and books—are helping to change that.
“Resonates” is a great word. It means something that strikes a chord with you, emotionally or intellectually. When a character’s struggles resonate with you, it’s like they’re saying what you didn’t know how to express.
Let’s talk about “humanize”. This means making something relatable or understandable on a human level. Good literature humanizes mental health, showing that it’s not an abstract concept but a real, lived experience.
“Stereotype” is another big one. It’s a fixed and oversimplified idea about a group of people. Think about how stories sometimes stereotype mental illness as something dramatic or dangerous, rather than nuanced and diverse.
Now for “empathy”, which is the ability to understand and share someone else’s feelings. Literature is like an empathy machine—it puts you in someone else’s shoes, even if you’ve never walked their path.
“Authenticity” means being real or genuine. A character with authentic struggles feels relatable, while one with a shallow backstory feels more like a caricature.
Here’s “narrative”, which is just a fancy way of saying story. But in literature, a narrative isn’t just what happens—it’s how it’s told. Whose perspective is it from? What’s left out?
“Evolution” is about growth and change. The portrayal of mental health in literature has evolved from simplistic to complex, reflecting society’s growing understanding of the topic.
Lastly, “reflects” means to mirror or represent something. Literature reflects our values, fears, and hopes, making it a powerful tool for exploring mental health.
Let’s Discuss & Write
- Do you think literature has more influence on shaping society’s views of mental health or reflecting them? Why?
- How do you feel about the way mental health is portrayed in modern media versus classic literature?
- Can a character’s mental health struggles make them more relatable, or do they sometimes risk becoming their defining trait?
- What role does empathy play in how we read and interpret stories about mental health?
- How can writers balance creating compelling characters with mental health struggles while avoiding harmful stereotypes?
Writing Prompt:
Write about a fictional character who struggles with mental health, but instead of focusing on their struggles, explore how they navigate daily life, relationships, and their personal goals.
Tips:
- Start by giving the character a clear voice and personality beyond their mental health.
- Show their challenges but also their strengths and coping mechanisms.
- End with a moment of growth, reflection, or connection to emphasize their humanity and complexity.
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