In recent times, one of the newest and most pervasive trends has spread across media platforms. This trend goes by the name of depression. Among young people aged 13 to 22, the "faded flower" and "dark mood" aesthetic has become increasingly popular on several social media platforms and in film productions, often being labeled as depression. Efforts to destigmatize mental illness on social media have, in some cases, been used to curate a more "appealing" personality, a strategy that often succeeds given the highly interactive nature of content such as "literally me" or "me-core" videos. Similarly, the aestheticization of psychological issues in film productions often projects beauty, mystery, and even admirability onto those suffering from severe depression. In the long run, however, glorifying depression does more harm than good, both to those affected by the illness and to those who romanticize it. Because self-diagnosis can distort a healthy way of living and because the real, raw pain of those suffering from depression is often overlooked, depression and other forms of mental illness should not be romanticized in the media.
While this is predominantly an issue in the United States, trends travel quickly. We have seen unhealthy trends from other countries spill over into Nepal in the past, and recognizing this issue now provides an opportunity to prevent a rise in mental health struggles in Nepal, no matter how small the impact may seem. The dismissal of mental health issues must end in Nepal. Mental illness is not something people choose to bring upon themselves; it simply happens, and it is imperative that Nepali society recognizes that seeking help is a legitimate and essential part of the healing process.
That being said, social media has become a part of everyday life for millions of young people and continues to grow in influence, to the point where it is now viewed as a "necessity" by many. Studies from Youth Mental Health Centers indicate that between 2015 and 2021, teenagers aged 13 to 18 averaged 8 hours and 39 minutes of media use per day. Meanwhile, adults under 30 are far more likely than older adults to use platforms such as Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, Facebook, and Reddit, with 80 percent of people aged 18 to 29 reporting that they use Instagram. As the user base of these platforms is largely made up of younger generations, they are more likely to encounter the recent trend of romanticizing negative experiences while doom-scrolling on TikTok or browsing online forums such as Reddit. When large numbers of young people are exposed to such content, it is only natural that they become more familiar with these trends and may even participate in them. This can be damaging, leading some to post videos that glorify what they believe to be depression and treat mental illness as though it were an accessory. Overall, younger generations face a greater likelihood of encountering and being influenced by the glorification of depression.
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Furthermore, when an inaccurate picture of depression is presented, people may begin to incorrectly self-diagnose mental health conditions, causing unnecessary distress, worry, and panic. This misrepresents the idea of a healthy lifestyle and can be especially harmful to those who do not have professionally diagnosed depression. Psychology centers place significant emphasis on anxiety and depression as the most commonly self-diagnosed mental health conditions, often linking this trend to the high rates of reported mental illness among younger generations. When mental illness is destigmatized in the media, certain traits associated with aestheticized depression are highlighted and admired by a broader audience. As a result, label-driven misinformation spreads regarding depression, including its symptoms and its overall impact on an individual's life. High rates of self-diagnosis can contribute to increased anxiety and emotional distress among young people, reinforcing misconceptions about mental illness. Oftentimes, self-diagnosis without guidance from a licensed medical professional can lead individuals to treat the wrong condition, thereby distorting a healthy way of living. Even when driven by a desire to appear more interesting or relatable, assuming the label of depression can have detrimental long-term effects. Therefore, depression and mental illness should not be romanticized in the media.
Those who advocate for mental health awareness may worry that if depression is not discussed positively, people who are genuinely struggling with depression may feel isolated, which could be even more damaging. However, rather than reducing feelings of isolation, aestheticizing depression can make individuals with genuine depression feel as though their suffering is not "intense" enough, deepening feelings of inadequacy and loneliness. One individual, reflecting on her struggles with anxiety, panic attacks, and her search for help in 2021, described the experience as anything but glamorous. Yet depression is often portrayed in the media as a beautiful or enlightening experience, despite the reality being far different. When such inaccuracies spread, so too does the message that the daily pain experienced by people with depression is somehow not valid or authentic.
Ultimately, professionally diagnosed depression takes many forms, each capable of affecting a person's physical and mental well-being. As stated by Athea Roque, a USC student, in an original oratory speech, aestheticizing depression undermines the raw pain experienced by millions. The inaccurate portrayal of depression on social media ignores just how harmful the condition can be. When more people are exposed to false perceptions of depression, the experiences of those living with genuine depression are invalidated and overlooked. Some individuals with severe depression spend days without leaving the comfort of their beds, struggling daily and wishing they could simply become numb to their pain. Turning depression into a trendy or quirky personality trait diminishes the reality of their suffering.
Critics may argue that we should continue speaking positively about depression because doing so helps teens and young audiences with depression feel understood and makes it easier for them to seek professional help. Some productions do address the issue responsibly, such as The Perks of Being a Wallflower and BoJack Horseman, which depict depression without romanticizing it and instead reflect its realities and the healing process. By contrast, the aestheticization of depression in films and television series often oversimplifies a serious mental health condition, reducing it to a performative display.
Essentially, ending the romanticization of mental illness in the media could have a positive impact on public mental health and help people better recognize and appreciate their own abilities and well-being. Casual phrases such as "I'm so depressed" or "I'm gonna K.M.S.," used to appear more mysterious, edgy, or interesting, distort the public's understanding of mental illness. Avoiding the casual use of such phrases can help normalize healthier attitudes and reduce misinformation.
Fundamentally, it is crucial that more people support mental health advocacy, but the romanticization and glorification of mental illness are not appropriate ways to achieve that goal. Mental illness must be represented accurately, and individuals battling genuine depressive symptoms must be supported. Otherwise, both people with depression and those without it may face harmful consequences. Depression is not a "cute" choice, nor is the physical and emotional destruction that often accompanies it.
