Disablity Representation and mental health.

 Disability Media and Mental health. 

This topic is one that I didn't expect there to be such a lack of information around the way mainstream media portrays mental health.  There is some great representation as producers and actors that have sway realize that as they have made strides in representation in diversity in character there is still a long way to go, in representation. 

I  know that some production companies are doing a great job in representation however most TV shows and movies simply need to make money if they don't have the following they can't continue.  One shows that I have been following and have seen several clips that some amazingly talented people have uploaded to YouTube that have won awards for diverse representation.  

This clip from YouTube shows one of the main character's being what one of the commenters pointed out is everyone in his life is mean to him and until he meets someone who becomes very close to him he doesn't really stand up for himself and even is willing to go into a lavender marriage to preserve family honor. 

Alec Lightwood | you treat him like a lap dog [+s3] - YouTube

 Trigger warning self-harm topics 

There is also another seen in the series that is treated with respect but due to the book series, it is based on didn't have much air time.  Yes in this clip they are all under a spell but as in a later scene, it is pointed out that the magic in the series can't create fears only bring them out.  It becomes a wake-up call for his boyfriend to keep a closer eye on him. 

Shadowhunters 2x08 - Alec nearly kills himself - YouTube

This is another clip and I know in other posts I have written about this character however this book character has been talked about and looked at in so many different ways because the character and this relationship have triggered larger conversations in a wide range of ages around, respect, what is a healthy relationship, and one the thing that I see in the topic that has been overlooked is Trauma as we have seen that this show doesn't shy away from heavy topic like trauma, and its fallout and a line that resonates with a lot of people is "  Sometimes it's ok to let others take care of you,"  however this is a feeling I know as a person with disabilities can be a challenging thing to overcome. As we struggle with not being able to do things that others can and an expectation that we will be ok when in reality some people never recover from the trauma and need support for the rest of their lives. 

It is also a reminder to be kind to yourself and knows that sometimes life doesn't always go to plan.

I know that this is a short post but it is one that I think needs to be talked about.