5 famous animation movie characters that suffered from mental health conditions
Mental health is vital to our well-being. It affects how we think, feel and act. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), about one in four people globally suffer from mental health disorders. Thus, it is an important issue that must be addressed. What if we told you that some of your favourite animated characters portray specific mental health issues? Yes, you heard that right! Through their characters, cartoonists have drawn our attention to various mental health disorders that people experience. Are you curious to know which one of your beloved characters depicts which mental illness? Keep reading to find out!
Tigger from Winnie the Pooh
Do you remember Tigger from Winnie the Pooh (1988), created by A.A. Milne? He's a very energetic and fun character, but did you know that he had a disorder called ADHD? ADHD stands for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. This condition makes it difficult for people to sit still for long periods and keep their impulses under check. That's why you always see Tigger bouncing and running around! People with ADHD might also have a hard time paying attention and staying focussed. Sounds very much like our beloved Tigger, right? Fortunately, Tigger had his friends to support and care for him, and so should you if any of your friends suffer from the disorder. Remember, just like Tigger, everyone is special and unique in their own way!
Elsa from Frozen
Feeling sad or having a bad day is a part and parcel of life. You too might have gone through these feelings sometimes. But for some people, these negative feelings can persist for months, and that is when it can turn into depression. Did you know that Elsa from the Disney movie Frozen (2013) suffered from depression? You can connect the dots if you run some scenes from the movie in your head. Remember when Elsa accidentally harmed her sister with her magical powers? She retreated from the world, consumed with guilt and unable to control her emotions. She lost all interest in things she used to enjoy. These are a few symptoms of depression. The movie's writer and director, Jennifer Lee, confirms that Elsa had depression. But she came out of it with her sister's love. That is one of the take-home messages of the movie. With love and effective treatments, one can come out of depression and live a happy life.
Belle from The Beauty and Beast
Belle from the Disney movie The Beauty and Beast (1991) suffered from a condition called Stockholm Syndrome. This particular mental disorder is strange and not understood well by mental health professionals. People with this disorder develop affection for their kidnappers. In the case of Belle, her captivity in the castle with the Beast can be seen as a classic example of the Stockholm Syndrome. At first, she was understandably frightened and resistant to the Beast's advances. As she spent more time with him and got to know him better, she developed feelings of affection and attachment toward him.
Ariel from The Little Mermaid
Ariel from the Disney movie Little Mermaid (1989) was known for her love of collecting or hoarding things. In her beautiful castle underwater, she had all kinds of exciting things, such as shiny trinkets, rare treasures and even items that can't be used underwater, such as candles. However, Ariel's obsession with collecting things can be a sign of a mental disorder called Disposophobia. People with this disorder have difficulty disposing of items because they have a strong attachment to them. They may feel anxious or upset when they have to get rid of them. While keeping a few things you love is okay, it's essential to learn to let go of things you don't need!