Anxiety in Media

Article Written by: Devishi J.

Cover Design by: Namya Arora

Anxiety, the most common mental illness disorder in the United States, is increasingly starting to be discussed in popular media, yet so many still fail to properly understand what it is or look past the common misconceptions. It’s important to overcome the stigma surrounding anxiety since around 40 million adults age 18 and older are affected by it, just in the U.S.. Even though anxiety is so common, around 64% of those going through it do not receive treatment. It is safe to believe a significant factor of this lack of treatment is the

stigma surrounding mental health. People with anxiety have been told that “they just need to relax,” or “everybody gets worried sometimes,” but these misconceptions can be very damaging. This is why anxiety, along with mental health in general, needs to be represented in the media. Seeing a character they love deal with the same issues as them can be a very comforting and unalienating feeling for someone dealing with anxiety, making them feel like they are not alone. It helps them realize that there are others who know how they feel and that it is okay to want to receive help or treatment.

What even is anxiety? According to Mayo Clinic, anxiety is an “intense, excessive, and persistent fear and worry about everyday situations.” However when it starts to interfere and interrupt your daily life, it is called an anxiety disorder. Out of all the TV shows I have watched, only one show has truly depicted a realistic and relatable character with an anxiety disorder: Alexa and Katie on Netflix.

Alexa and Katie - Alexa Mendoza (left) and Katie Cooper (right)

The show is based around a teen girl named Alexa Mendoza and her best friend Katie Cooper. A lot of the show revolves around Alexa’s recovery from cancer and her return to a normal life and high school, all while Katie is by her side to support her through it all. However, a significant plot point of the show is Katie’s struggle with anxiety and how she deals with this intimidating issue. One scene in particular is what inspired me to write this article.

(Watch the Scene Here: Katie's Anxiety Attack Scene)

When Alexa and Katie arrive at Crawford High School to take the SATs, Alexa’s unintentionally triggering comment about how important the SATs are for their future, sets off Katie’s anxiety. The intense scene does an excellent job in showcasing what someone undergoing an anxiety attack looks like, some techniques that might help, and how someone might help them. For example, Katie leans against the wall, and then later crouches on the floor as a way of grounding herself. Since Alexa is Katie’s best friend, she knows how to help her and knows that hugging Katie would help ease her. This may work for some people, but not everyone, which is why talking about anxiety should be destigmatized. People should be able to let those around them know how they like to be helped when they have a lot of anxiety. This scene was just one among many others that would be helpful to viewers with anxiety.

For example, in Season 4, Episode 4, titled “Choose Your Own Adventure,” Katie has an anxiety attack at the cafe where she works, and she tries to call her mom, which shows that talking to someone you trust is a good coping strategy. When her mom doesn’t pick up, her coworker tries to distract her by talking about their annoying customers, which does help Katie calm down. Throughout the series, Katie even goes to therapy. To viewers who either deal with anxiety first-hand or know someone dealing with it, watching these scenes could be so helpful and meaningful. It would make them feel seen and like anxiety is something that should be discussed, not concealed. Keeping in mind that the show is recommended for audiences as young as 8 years old, it is easy to see how being exposed to anxiety and mental health from an early age can help prevent stigmatization and misconceptions in the future.

Along with Alexa and Katie, there are a few other tv shows that have been heavily credited for their excellent depiction of mental health. Some of these shows are Bojack Horseman, Parks and Recreation, and One Day at a Time. One Day at a Time is especially beneficial towards teen audiences because it includes a teenage character, along with characters of older ages, who have issues with mental health, so it is more relatable and relevant to them. It even shows therapy groups, how anxiety feels for someone undergoing it, and how it should not be hidden. All of these shows are a step towards progress, but there is still a long way to go before all mental health is being openly discussed and removed from being associated with stigma.

If you are struggling with anxiety, or know someone who is, don’t be afraid to reach out for help. Visit NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Health) for a private and confidential helpline or talk to someone you trust.

Sources:

• Anxiety-on-screen-alexa-and-katie

• Anxiety Facts & Statistics