Teen series have always dealt with the mental health of young people, but more recent and contemporary fiction has taken it even further with characters that are more representative and relatable to a whole new generation. As part of Mental Health Weeks, AlloCiné questions these new perceptions of a topic that is increasingly discussed in our society.
We talked Jean-Victor Blanc, Psychiatrist at St. Antoine HospitalSorbonne University teacher, author Pop & Psy and creator Pop & Psy Culture. This professional has decoded for us 3 series for young people – 13 Reasons Why, Euphoria and Heartstopper – which left its mark in pop culture and which dealt with the issue of mental health in its own way.
What is 13 Reasons Why?
Inspired by Jay Asher’s bestselling books, 13 Reasons Why follows Clay Jensen, a teenager who discovers a mysterious box with his name on it after graduation. Inside are notes from Hannah Baker, a classmate who tragically killed herself two weeks earlier. The records reveal that the girl he was in love with decided to end her life for thirteen reasons. Is Clay one of those reasons?
What is euphoria?
17-year-old Rue Bennett, fresh out of rehab, is trying to make sense of her existence. He quickly bonds with Jules Vaughan, a trans girl who has just arrived in town after her parents’ divorce. In their wake are Nate Jacobs, an athlete whose anger issues mask his sexual complexes; Maddie Perez, Nate’s girlfriend; Chris McKay, star of the football team, who struggles to keep up with his grades; Cassie Howard, whose sexual past continues to haunt her; Lexi Howard, Cassie’s younger sister and Rui’s childhood friend; and Kat Hernandez, explores her sexuality.
What is Heartstopper?
In this adaptation of Alice Oseman’s graphic novel, two boys meet, become friends, and fall in love. Charlie is a young man with a soft heart, Nicky is a rugby fan. Their unlikely high school friendship turns into an unexpected love story. On a journey of self-discovery and acceptance, Charlie, Nick and their circle of friends need each other’s support to accept who they are.
Doctor Jean-Victor Blanc East Psychiatrist at St. Antoine Hospital (Paris AP-HP) and teacher at Sorbonne University. He is also an author Drug addicts: Understanding and breaking new addictions (Arkhê Editions, 2021) and Pop & Psy (Plon publication, 2019). Specializing in the treatment of new addictions and bipolar disorder, he is campaigning for radical change in the way we view mental health through the Pop & Psy Festival, the first pop festival for mental health.
- The entire 13 Reasons Why series is available on Netflix
- The first two seasons of Euphoria are available on Prime Video through Warner Pass
- The first two seasons of Heartstopper are available on Netflix.
If you are suffering or want to help someone, you can contact 3114, the national suicide prevention number, 24/7, or visit 3114.fr
Source: Allocine
Camila Luna is a writer at Gossipify, where she covers the latest movies and television series. With a passion for all things entertainment, Camila brings her unique perspective to her writing and offers readers an inside look at the industry. Camila is a graduate from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) with a degree in English and is also a avid movie watcher.
