Literature has always shaped how society views mental illness, either keeping old, harmful ideas alive or breaking them down. In the past, books often showed negative stereotypes, making people with mental health issues seem dangerous or "other," which increased shame and isolation. But today, books are much more nuanced and empathetic. This reflects a broader societal shift towards mental health awareness. Modern writers portray mental illness through lived experience, highlighting its complexity and focusing on the human side of struggles, such as how it affects relationships and the process of seeking help. They directly address stigma, showing its harmful effects. However, some modern works are criticized for romanticizing mental illness or using it just for plot, accidentally reinforcing stereotypes. The line between challenging stigma and spreading it is thin, requiring careful balance from writers. How readers and critics react also helps push for better understanding.

To show mental illness well, stories need to feel genuine and honest. This means not just showing the challenging times, but also when characters succeed, how they cope, and how their mental health affects the people around them. For example, I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter authentically shows Julia's depression and anxiety, including her feelings of hopelessness and isolation. Similarly, The Impossible Knife of Memory provides a raw portrayal of Andy's PTSD flashbacks, challenging romanticized ideas of war experiences. Good books also avoid making people with mental illness seem "less than" or unable to do things. Instead, they focus on the person first, not just their illness. In I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter, Julia is portrayed as smart and resilient , even in the face of her challenges . And in The Impossible Knife of Memory, the soldier has clear moments, showing he's more than just his illness. It's also crucial  for books to consider  different cultures. What mental health feels like can change a lot depending on where someone comes from. For instance, a 20th-century study highlights that British literature of this period often depicts mental health struggles with  historical and political context, such as the impact of war and totalitarian regimes. Besides that, in Indian literature, mental health is portrayed through a lens that integrates personal experiences with cultural and spiritual dimensions.

Now, should there be limits on what writers show? Yes, there's a good reason for some rules to prevent harm to  people. Literature should not romanticize or glamorize mental illness, as this can misrepresent its severity and make it harder for people to seek help. As Jackie Reyes (2020) notes, romanticizing mental illness can create "stigmatized glamour" around it. Authors should also avoid harmful stereotypes, such as depicting individuals with mental illness as inherently violent or childlike, and instead focus on promoting empathy and understanding rather than sensationalism. While literature, especially young adult fiction, plays a crucial role in raising awareness about mental illness, there should be thoughtful limits on how mental health is portrayed. Authors have a responsibility to avoid exaggeration or romanticization that can mislead readers or perpetuate harmful stereotypes. Conducting careful research and including trigger warnings can help create informed, respectful representations that build empathy and support recovery. Ultimately, mental illness portrayals should empower readers by emphasizing hope and healing, rather than glamorizing or trivializing lived experiences.

Some books that may  help to understand mental health better are “I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter" by Erika Sánchez and “Mrs. Dalloway” by Virginia Woolf. Sánchez's novel provided powerful insight into how cultural expectations and family dynamics can worsen mental health struggles, highlighting the isolation experienced by those with mental illness and the importance of acknowledging their conditions. Woolf's Mrs. Dalloway offered a profound exploration of PTSD through Septimus Warren Smith, using a fragmented narrative to convey his disoriented mental state and critiquing the inadequate mental health care systems and societal neglect of the time. By embracing authenticity, avoiding negative stereotypes, and respecting different cultures, literature can continue to be a powerful tool for fostering empathy and a deeper understanding of mental health.

References:

• Jha, A., & Suri, G. (2024). Representation of Mental Health in 20th-Century British and Indian English Novels: A Comparative Analysis. International Journal of English Literature and Social Sciences, 9(5), 98-101.
• Olan, E. L., & Richmond, K. J. (2023). Narrative of Deficit and Authentic Portrayals of Mental Illness and Cultural Sensitivities in Young Adult Literature. Study and Scrutiny: Research in Young Adult Literature, 6(1), 21-46.