Why Mental Health Representation in Young Adult Fiction Matters: A Look at Double Minority Hanna
Mental health topics, particularly mental illness, have long been stigmatized in society, especially among young adults. Many teenagers and young adults feel uncomfortable discussing mental health openly, viewing it as a taboo. Furthermore, negative portrayals in movies, videos, and social media often cause individuals with mental health struggles to hide their conditions instead of seeking support. In this context, young adult (YA) fiction becomes a powerful platform for accurate and compassionate mental health representation, encouraging open dialogue and challenging harmful stereotypes. 3 Reasons Why Mental Health Representation in Young Adult Fiction is Crucial Reducing Stigma and Raising Awareness In YA fiction, mental health representation can dismantle stigmas, helping young readers understand that they aren’t alone in facing such issues. The stigma surrounding mental health often prevents young adults from seeking help. By seeing characters who openly deal with mental hea...