There’s a Lesson in These TV Shows About Mental Health
Television doesn’t always portray mental health accurately. At times, it leans on stereotypes or uses trauma for shock value. However, some shows stand out for their raw, nuanced, and honest portrayals of mental health, abuse, and healing. Instead of reducing these struggles to plot devices, they reflect real experiences and remind us that healing is possible — even when it’s messy.
With that in mind, here are seven tv shows about mental health that shine a light on the realities it:
The Maid
Single mother Alex stays resilient despite the darkest situations. Her story uncovers the many hidden layers of emotional abuse: gaslighting, financial control, coercion, and the exhausting fight to leave. Rather than sensationalize her experience, Maid offers a rare and respectful portrayal of survival.
The Bear
Carmy carries the weight of years of family trauma, grief, and rage. These wounds inevitably spill into his work and relationships (still thinking about Carmy & Claire). Through his struggles, The Bear reminds us that hurt people don’t always heal alone — and the past has a way of resurfacing until it’s addressed.
Big Little Lies
Celeste’s storyline may look like gripping TV drama, but for many, it mirrors reality. The series demonstrates how abusers manipulate, isolate, and charm. At the same time, it highlights how healing begins with honesty and how essential strong support systems can be.
BoJack Horseman
BoJack’s trauma doesn’t excuse his harmful behavior, and the show makes that clear. It isn’t about sympathy — it’s about recognizing patterns. BoJack Horseman proves that accountability and healing can co-exist, even when the journey is messy and complicated.
Crazy Ex-Girlfriend
On the surface, this is a quirky musical dramedy. Beneath the humor, however, Crazy Ex-Girlfriend explores emotional manipulation, trauma bonding, and complex personality disorders with surprising nuance. It reminds us that even if you’ve hurt others, growth and healing are still possible.
Unbelievable
Based on a true story, Unbelievable drives home one core truth: believe survivors, even when no one else does. The show reveals how emotional abuse deepens trauma, and why empathy is far more powerful than assumption.
I May Destroy You
Trauma is rarely straightforward, and healing is no different. I May Destroy You dives deep into emotional, sexual, and psychological abuse while honoring the complexity of survival. It reinforces that there is no single “right” way to heal.
Closing Thoughts
These shows don’t just tell stories for dramatic effect — they represent real experiences. Collectively, they remind us that while pain may shape us, healing is always possible, especially with support.
At ShareWell, we believe in that same principle. That’s why we host free, peer-led support groups across hundreds of topics. Real people. Real support. Join a session today and connect with others who truly get it.
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