All of us love a little bit of escapism by way of watching our favorite movie or television collection or maybe studying a great ebook. However whereas fiction can assist us perceive the experiences of these dwelling very completely different lives to ourselves, on the subject of psychological well being situations, getting it flawed can have penalties like including to stigma, false impression and rising pointless assumptions, worry or apprehension.
Bipolar disorder, a situation characterised by episodes of mania and melancholy, and the situation highlighted on 30 March 2023 with World Bipolar Day, has been depicted in numerous movies, TV exhibits, and literature. Whereas a few of these portrayals have been correct and useful in rising understanding and empathy in the direction of people with the situation, others have perpetuated detrimental stereotypes.
One optimistic portrayal of bipolar dysfunction might be seen within the TV present “Homeland,” which includes a character named Carrie Mathison, performed by Claire Danes. Carrie’s battle with bipolar dysfunction is depicted in a nuanced and practical approach, exhibiting the affect the situation has on her private {and professional} life. The present has acquired reward for its correct portrayal of the situation and has helped enhance understanding and empathy in the direction of people with bipolar dysfunction.
One other optimistic instance might be seen within the movie “Infinitely Polar Bear,” which depicts a person named Cameron Stuart, performed by most Marvel film followers’ favorite Hulk Mark Ruffalo. The movie exhibits Cameron’s battle with bipolar dysfunction and the affect it has on his household. The piece has been praised for its correct and delicate portrayal, serving to to scale back stigma and enhance understanding of the realities of dwelling with psychological sickness, in addition to giving Mark Ruffalo display screen time for which the author of this text is, as a fan, ceaselessly grateful.
So these are two broadly praised depictions, however different portrayals of bipolar dysfunction have been criticised for perpetuating detrimental misconceptions. For instance, the character of Pat Solitano, performed by Bradley Cooper, within the movie “Silver Linings Playbook,” has been critiqued for romanticising the situation and perpetuating a stereotype that people with bipolar dysfunction are purely quirky and simplistically endearing.
Equally, the character of Tara Gregson, performed by Toni Collette, within the TV present “United States of Tara,” was one other instance of fiction not fairly reflecting actuality. The depiction advised that people with bipolar dysfunction have “a number of personalities”, a false impression that’s dangerous and stigmatising, even when the performances from the forged have been praised.
And whereas not truly named within the collection as having a analysis of bipolar dysfunction, the author and fashionista Carrie Bradshaw, performed by Sarah Jessica Parker, within the TV present “Intercourse and the Metropolis,” is hypothesised by some followers as probably having the situation, whether or not recognised or not.
The truth of those fictious portrayals is, writers of movie, television and literature in addition to their administrators, actors, publishers and all of the artistic practitioners concerned are statistically more likely to expertise psychological well being situations themselves or know those that do. Popular culture, whereas enjoyable and escapist for many of us, additionally helps to extend empathy and understanding of each human expertise, bodily, psychological, emotional, religious or in any other case. Hopefully we’re shifting right into a time when extra practical experiences are delivered to web page, stage and display screen as it’s essential to advertise correct and delicate portrayals of all psychological diseases.
Learn what it feels prefer to have bipolar dysfunction from two individuals who have generously shared their experiences with MQ:
Robert and Living with Rapid Cycling Bipolar Disorder
What to Know About Living With Bipolar Disorder
