10 Kids Shows That Dealt with Mental Illness
“Hey Arnold!” (1996-2004)
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The animated TV show created by Craig Bartlett has covered a range of mental health issues throughout is run. There’s Arnold coping with the trauma of losing his parents and Chocolate Boy's chocolate obsession. But Helga Pataki probably highlights this the most. Not only does she have to cope with unrequited love, but also her family has several issues that impact her. For starters, her mom Miriam is alluded to be an alcoholic from her swaying and “smoothie” passion. Helga’s sister Olga is seen as a “perfect” person, the pressure gets to her when she falsely gets a bad grade and spirals into depression. How their parents take care of Helga, or rather the lack thereof, has contributed to Helga’s tendencies to lash out, whether that be physically or emotionally. We even see Helga face her various issues when she sees a therapist.
“Rapunzel's Tangled Adventure” (2017-20)
After the events of the 2010 film “Tangled,” this show picks up the world of Rapunzel six months later. While we were led to believe that everything would be fine now that she’s with her birth parents, it’s far from that. Rapunzel is constantly dealing with the trauma she sustained as a prisoner in the tower. After all, she has nightmares involving Gothel. We even see the conflict within Rapunzel when she watches the tower fall. On the one hand, the symbol of her torment is destroyed. On the other hand, her old home is gone. The show doesn’t rush Rapunzel or gloss over her experience. Instead, it supports her with friends and family while she works through it herself.
“Adventure Time” (2010-18)
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Created by Pendleton Ward, “Adventure Time” hasn’t shied away from some big topics. And one of the most moving stories involves the Ice King and memory deterioration, such as conditions like dementia or Alzheimer's, as well as grief. In the episode “Holly Jolly Secrets,” we see videos created by Ice King that go back to before he put on the crown when he was the antiquarian Simon Petrikov. Then, in “I Remember You,” he tries to enlist Marceline to write a song. That’s where we discover she knew him when he was Simon. However, Ice King has no memory of her in the past. The crown’s influence erased them, and Marceline has to let the memory of Simon go.
“Young Justice” (2010-22)
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Therapy is a vital tool for helping with mental health issues. And even heroes need it, as shown in “Young Justice.” With all the grim experiences they’ve suffered, the team has been able to talk to Black Canary about their problems. When Robin struggled to live up to his own perceptions of Batman’s expectations, he spoke to Dinah Lance. When the team lost Conner Kent, they grappled with their grief. But Beast Boy took it really hard. He lashed out at his friends and isolated himself. Gar eventually attended sessions with Black Canary. While he initially pretended everything was fine, he eventually opened up about his depression and survivor’s guilt. Later, Gar talks about using antidepressants and being in a better place.
“Arthur” (1996-2022)
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For a series that’s only behind “The Simpsons” as the longest-running animated show in America, “Arthur” has touched on a range of stories that have left a mark on the audience. For example, in the episode “Shelter From the Storm,” Alan “The Brain” Powers is frightened after seeing the destruction left behind by Hurricane Sadie at the Ice Cream Shop, even though the family prepared for it. Brain is riddled with anxiety and has visions about the weather. With the support of his family, especially his dad, and talking to a therapist, Brain starts to cope with his feelings. There’s also “Grandpa Dave's Memory Album,” when the failing memory of Grandpa Dave and its effects on the family are brought to the forefront.
“Teen Titans” (2003-06)
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The first iteration of the “Teen Titans” show left a lasting impression on the audience. On top of the typical fighting scene in superhero shows, it also tackled heavier topics - so much so that fans have theorized that different characters represent different mental illnesses. But one character that we saw on the screen that showcased the state of her mental health the most was Raven. She had the pressure of being a part of the heroes and the expectations from her father, Trigon. During the episode “Nevermore,” we saw some of this conflict when Cyborg and Beast Boy met Emoticlones of Raven. They depict versions of her with various emotions, showing her internal struggle. Her constant battle with anxiety and insecurity touched a nerve with many fans.
“Andi Mack” (2017-19)
While “Andi Mack” wasn’t on the air for a long time, in its short reign, it became very popular with its demographic. And that might have something to do with its more realistic portrayal of the struggles that modern kids go through. After all, there’s the story of Cyrus Goodman coming out as gay that immediately grabbed headlines. There’s also the story arc for Jonah Beck. After going through uncertainties in his relationship with Andi, including a potentieal new love interest, Jonah’s anxiety spirals out of control as he started to have panic attacks in public. With the support of his friends, Jonah began to get a handle on the attacks as he opens up about his experiences rather than bury his feelings away.
“The Legend of Korra” (2012-14)
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Throughout the series, but especially in the latter half, post-traumatic stress disorder is a key hindrance to Korra. From losing most of her bending abilities in the episode “Endgame,” she is later captured in “Venom of the Red Lotus.” There, she is attacked and poisoned with mercury, leaving her vastly weakened. So much so that Korra needs to use a wheelchair for a time. After this, she's a shell of her former shelf. Korra soon isolates herself from her tribe as she’s engulfed by PTSD and the anxiety of potentially being in pain again. With the aid of Toph Beifong, Korra slowly begins to heal and can remove the trace of the poison left in her system and find herself once again.
“Sesame Street” (1969-)
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Kids can struggle with expressing and putting words to their feelings. That’s where “Sesame Street” comes in. Thanks to their connection with mental health professionals, the show is able to vocalize complex emotions that youngsters can connect to. The producers have held several spotlights and seminars over the years about important topics that affect the population. In 2017, with the rise of mass violence, Sesame Workshop, the nonprofit organization behind the series, focussed on helping children cope with stress and trauma in tense times with its release of Sesame Street-branded audiovisual material. Another time, “Sesame Street” discussed anxiety and talking about those feelings. In 2023, the Arabic version of “Sesame Street” made strides to help local kids with various aspects of mental health through workshops.
“Steven Universe” (2013-19)
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The series created by Rebecca Sugar has touched on several aspects of mental health. And anxiety is one that especially left a lasting impression. In “Kiki's Pizza Delivery Service,” Kiki struggled with saying “no” to her sister due to a fear of failing, and instead worked herself into the ground. Then, in “Mindful Education,” the processes of mindfulness and cognitive behavior therapy are explored as Garnet teaches Steven and Connie healthier ways to deal with their emotions. Similar themes were explored in the epilogue series, “Steven Universe Future.” Steven begins glowing pink as he struggles to process the PTSD he’d sustained over the adventures. By “Growing Pains,” he goes to the hospital, and his mental trauma is recognized as he begins to heal.
