Anime is known for its vast and diverse themes, from action-packed battles to heart-warming romances. However, what is often overlooked is how anime also delves into themes of mental health. Through its unique storytelling and character development, anime has the ability to shed light on various mental health issues and offer insight into how we can deal with them.
In this article, we will explore some of the popular anime series that have tackled themes of mental health and discuss how they have approached these topics in a way that is both informative and engaging.
Neon Genesis Evangelion: Dealing with Depression and existential crisis
Neon Genesis Evangelion is a classic anime series that explores themes of depression and existential crisis. The series follows the story of Shinji Ikari, a teenage boy forced to pilot a giant bio-machine called Evangelion to fight off monstrous beings known as Angels. Throughout the series, Shinji struggles with depression, anxiety, and a sense of purposelessness, which are all explored in a profound and meaningful way.
Welcome to the NHK: Coping with social anxiety
Welcome to the NHK is a dark comedy anime that follows the story of a young man named Satou who suffers from social anxiety and becomes a recluse in his apartment. The anime explores the difficulties of coping with social anxiety, as well as the various coping mechanisms that people use to deal with this condition.
March Comes in Like a Lion: Dealing with Trauma and Depression
March Comes in Like a Lion is a slice-of-life anime that follows the story of a young shogi player named Rei Kiriyama, who struggles with depression and trauma from his past. The anime explores how Rei copes with these issues, as well as how he finds support and healing through his relationships with others.
Orange: Addressing suicide prevention
Orange is a romantic drama anime that centres around a group of high school students who receive letters from their future selves warning them of the suicide of one of their classmates. The anime deals with the sensitive topic of suicide prevention in a thoughtful and empathetic way and provides insight into how friends and loved ones can help those who are struggling with suicidal thoughts.
Your Lie in April: Coping with Grief and Loss
Your Lie in April is a romantic drama anime that tells the story of a young pianist named Kosei Arima, who has lost the ability to hear his own playing after the death of his mother. The anime explores the themes of grief and loss, and how Kosei copes with these emotions through his relationships with others.
Conclusion:
Anime has the ability to explore themes of mental health in a way that is both informative and engaging. By delving into people's complex emotions and struggles, anime can provide insight and understanding into these issues. Whether you are dealing with depression, anxiety, or trauma, there is an anime out there that can help you feel seen and understood.