Communities and groups - Mental Health

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Some communities might be at higher risk for mental health challenges or face unique barriers to getting help. This is not a result of the color of anyone’s skin, who they love, where they work, or how old they are — but rather specific stressors, experiences, cultural norms and access to care..
Another reason some communities and groups may be at higher risk is because they don’t see themselves represented in the mental health narrative, making it difficult for them to envision a more hopeful future for themselves.
For groups with cultural norms that discourage talking about difficult feelings or emotional struggles, seeing conversations about mental health on screen can be a powerful force in breaking the cycle of silence.
Depicting treatment options and mental health professionals that reflect the diverse
In scripted content, try to cast characters from marginalized or misunderstood groups with actors who share their lived experiences: for example, transgender actors playing transgender roles. This can help audience members engage and connect with the character and find meaning, insight, or inspiration in their story, including their journey with mental health.You can also think about engaging producers, writers, and crew members who share identities or experiences with the story’s characters.

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