Welcome to the
Entertainment Industry’s Guide
to Mental Health Storytelling
Developed by a groundbreaking coalition of mental health experts and entertainment industry leaders.
20% of the population is dealing with a mental health condition, but less than 7% of scripted TV and less than 2% of films address mental health issues.
The tips and tools featured in
this guide can help your projects:
More Accurately Portray Mental Health Challenges
Dismantle Stigma and Barriers to Seeking Help
Show Audiences What Support Looks Like
Change The Narrative on Mental Health
Building your story, step by step
No matter where you are in your process, here are 5 steps you can take to expand positive mental health representation.
Top storytelling tips
Portray a Range of Mental Health Experiences
Expand depictions of mental health to reflect the full continuum of experiences — from thriving to coping to struggling.
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Diversify Representation
Represent diverse characters and communities to help viewers from all backgrounds feel seen, recognize warning signs, and reach out for help.
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Show Conversations About Mental Health And Help-Seeking
Show conversations about mental health happening in relatable ways to make viewers more comfortable with speaking up and asking for help.
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Spotlight Support From Friends And Family
Elevate stories of friends and family members who are supportive and show how to effectively support someone who’s struggling.
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Depict Effective, Realistic Help-Seeking And Treatment
Show positive and productive treatment experiences to help diminish fear and misconceptions.
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Highlight the Power of Coping Skills and Self-Care
Highlight how self-care and coping practices can positively impact our mental health, and avoid implying that self-care is an indulgence or luxury.
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Represent the Causes of Mental Health Challenges Accurately
Portray the complex factors that contribute to mental health challenges to better equip viewers to support themselves and others.
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Consider the Impact of Language
Try to avoid: incorrect usage of medical terminology (like schizo, bipolar); defining people by their condition (say person experiencing depression instead of depressed person); and talking about suicide in a stigmatizing way (use died by suicide instead of committed suicide).
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Move Past Stereotypes
Be mindful of stereotypes when depicting mental health challenges or themes and aim for authenticity over tropes.
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Be Cautious About Overstating and Reinforcing Stigma
Try not to overemphasize stigma, judgment, or mistreatment related to mental health, which can prevent viewers from speaking up and getting help.
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Avoid Sharing Potentially Harmful Details
Ensure that storylines involving harmful behaviors do not unintentionally provide information that could make viewers more likely to engage in those behaviors themselves.
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Provide Resources and Calls-to-Action
Provide viewers with ways to take action after watching your content, to help turn an emotional reaction into a positive outcome.
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