MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS D LAASYA VISUAL CULTURE AND TRENDS
INTRODUCTION What is Mental health ? Mental health, according to the World Health Organization, is not just the absence of illness but a state of overall well-being. It's about realizing our potential, handling life's challenges, being productive, and contributing to our communities. In simpler terms, mental health is about feeling good and being able to cope with whatever comes our way. Wellness, which is closely tied to mental health, touches every aspect of our lives. It influences how we think and feel, how we handle tough situations, and how we connect with others. It's about our confidence, selfesteem, and overall satisfaction in life. When we're mentally well, we're better equipped to manage stress, build relationships, and make choices that help us reach our goals and fulfill our potential. What is Mental health awareness ? Mental health awareness is all about understanding, recognizing, and supporting people facing mental health issues. It's about learning and talking openly about mental well-being to help reduce any shame or fear associated with it. This theme reminds us that mental health is just as important as physical health, and we need to do more to spread awareness, provide resources, and build supportive communities to help those struggling with mental health challenges. In today's world, mental health awareness has become increasingly important. Mental health refers to our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act, and it plays a crucial role in determining how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. Mental health issues can impact anyone, regardless of age, gender, or background, and they can have significant effects on individuals, families, and communities. SIGNIFICANCE IN SOCIETY The significance of mental health awareness in society cannot be overstated. It's essential because mental health problems are prevalent and can have far-reaching consequences if left untreated. By raising awareness about mental health, we can reduce stigma, increase understanding, and encourage people to seek help when needed. Moreover, promoting mental health can lead to healthier individuals, stronger communities, and more resilient societies. Source - https://in.pinterest.com/pin/242912973643212931/ set me free by Sai Shanmugam S O C I A L T H E M E - M E N T A L H E A L T H A W A R E N E S S
Awe! is a Telugu-language film that weaves together multiple narratives within a single storyline. The movie revolves around the lives of various characters who find themselves interconnected in unexpected ways. Description: In the movie "Awe!", mental health is portrayed through the character of a woman with dissociative identity disorder (DID). This disorder causes her to experience multiple personalities, each with its own distinct traits and behaviors. Throughout the film, her struggles with DID are depicted, showing how it affects her daily life and relationships. Explicit Meaning: The explicit meaning of the portrayal of mental health in "Awe!" is to shed light on the challenges faced by individuals with disorders like dissociative identity disorder. It aims to increase awareness and understanding of such conditions and the impact they have on the lives of those affected. The film explicitly addresses the stigma surrounding mental health issues and advocates for empathy and support for individuals dealing with them. Implicit Meaning: Implicitly, the portrayal of mental health in "Awe!" explores deeper themes related to identity, trauma, and human resilience. The character's struggle with DID serves as a metaphor for the complexities of the human mind and the ways in which past experiences can shape one's sense of self. The film implicitly encourages viewers to reflect on the importance of compassion, acceptance, and selfdiscovery in navigating mental health challenges. In "Awe!", symbols like the café and the talking fish tank represent deeper ideas about connections and the mysteries of life. Visual and sound cues help tell the story and make us feel certain emotions. Even simple things in the movie can have important meanings, making us think about life in new ways. M E D I A A N A L Y S I S Source - https://www.tollywood.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/02/awe-movie-review.jpg Source - https://gumlet.assettype.com/film-companion/import/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/FilmCompanion_South_Awe_Review_lead_1.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&fit=max FILM : AWE, STARRING KAJAL AGGARWAL & NITHYA MENEN.(2018,FILM)
Description: "Euphoria" is a teen drama series that delves into the lives of a group of high school students as they navigate love, friendship, identity, and addiction in a modern world filled with social media and societal pressures. Explicit Meaning: The series explicitly tackles sensitive topics such as drug abuse, mental health issues, sexuality, and trauma. It portrays the raw realities faced by teenagers and sheds light on the complexities of their experiences. Implicit Meaning: Implicitly, "Euphoria" explores the underlying emotional struggles and vulnerabilities of its characters, highlighting the underlying societal and familial influences that contribute to their behavior and choices. It prompts viewers to consider the deeper layers of human emotion and connection beneath the surface. Semiotics: Through its visual style, music choices, and recurring symbols like the butterfly and the mask, "Euphoria" employs semiotic elements to convey deeper meanings and evoke emotions. These symbols serve as metaphors for transformation, identity concealment, and the complexities of navigating adolescence in a digitally driven world. In one scene from "Euphoria," Rue, the main character, struggles to open a chocolate bar. This represents her fight against addiction and her longing for comfort. As she struggles with the wrapper, it shows how hard it is for her to resist temptation and find peace in her chaotic life. In "Euphoria," the characters are depicted with raw authenticity, each grappling with their inner demons and external pressures. Rue, the troubled protagonist, navigates addiction recovery and the complexities of adolescence, while her best friend Jules struggles with identity and self-acceptance as a transgender girl. Nate embodies toxic masculinity, masking his insecurities with aggression, and manipulation, while Cassie grapples with conflicting desires for love and societal expectations. These multifaceted characters add depth to the narrative, reflecting the complexities of real-life experiences faced by today's youth. Additionally, "Euphoria" stands out for its bold and visually stunning cinematography, capturing the intensity of teenage emotions. The series incorporates surrealism and dream-like sequences, adding metaphorical depth to the narrative. Moreover, its unflinching portrayal of taboo topics and willingness to confront uncomfortable truths makes it a provocative exploration of youth culture. Source - https://image.tmdb.org/t/p/original/4yRqdgulLRtcCO5ZUOs2G5v874l.jpg SERIES : EUPHORIA, STARRING ZENDAYA.(2019, SERIES)
Description: "Dear Zindagi" is a heartfelt film that follows the journey of Kaira, a young woman struggling with various issues in her life. She seeks help from Dr. Jehangir Khan, who guides her through therapy sessions to help her understand and cope with her emotions. Explicit Meaning: The movie explicitly addresses themes of mental health, anxiety, and the importance of seeking therapy. It openly encourages conversations around these topics and highlights the need to break the stigma surrounding mental illness. Implicit Meaning: Implicitly, "Dear Zindagi" emphasizes the significance of self-reflection and introspection in overcoming personal challenges. It suggests that healing begins with understanding oneself and accepting one's vulnerabilities, ultimately leading to growth and self-empowerment. Semiotics: Through visual and narrative cues, the film uses symbols like the kite as a metaphor for freedom and the sea as a symbol of emotional depth. These semiotic elements reinforce the themes of personal growth and emotional liberation woven throughout the story. Source - https://s4.scoopwhoop.com/anj/dz/99452333.png Source - https://image.tmdb.org/t/p/original/aVQ50JgHOk5NQERg6nS1nz6GofT.jpg FILM : DEAR ZINDAGI, STARRING ALIA BHATT AND SHAH RUKH KHAN.(2016, FILM)
"Everything I Wanted" - Billie Eilish reflects on the pressures of fame and the toll it takes on her mental health, despite external success. Description: "Everything I Wanted" is a haunting and introspective song by Billie Eilish, known for its dreamy production and Eilish's ethereal vocals. The song features sparse instrumentation, including atmospheric synths and a subdued beat, creating a somber and contemplative mood. Eilish's vocals are emotive and raw, conveying a sense of vulnerability and introspection as she shares her innermost thoughts and feelings. Explicit Meaning: The explicit meaning of "Everything I Wanted" revolves around Eilish's reflections on fame, success, and the darker aspects of her mental health. She candidly discusses her struggles with the pressures of fame and the toll it takes on her well-being, admitting to feelings of loneliness and disillusionment despite achieving external success. Eilish expresses a desire to escape from the overwhelming expectations placed upon her and to find solace and comfort in the support of her loved ones. Implicit Meaning: Implicitly, "Everything I Wanted" delves into the themes of identity, authenticity, and the pursuit of happiness. Eilish grapples with the conflict between her public persona and her private struggles, highlighting the disparity between her outward success and inner turmoil. The song explores the disconnect between societal ideals of success and personal fulfillment, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing mental health and self-care over external validation. Semiotics: In terms of semiotics, "Everything I Wanted" employs various symbols and imagery to convey its themes. The sparse instrumentation and atmospheric production create a sense of emotional depth and introspection, reflecting Eilish's internal struggles. The lyrics contain symbolic references to water, dreams, and darkness, which serve as metaphors for Eilish's emotional state and the challenges she faces. Additionally, Eilish's vocal delivery and tone contribute to the song's emotional resonance, conveying a sense of vulnerability and authenticity that resonates with listeners. Overall, the semiotics of "Everything I Wanted" contribute to its powerful impact and emotional resonance, allowing listeners to connect with Eilish's personal struggles on a deeper level. Source - https://thefader-res.cloudinary.com/private_images/c_limit,w_1024/c_crop,h_1295,w_2550,x_0,y_-11,f_auto,q_auto:eco/Screen_Shot_2020-01-23_at_3.33.21_PM_erikqy/Screen_Shot_2020- 01-23_at_3.33.21_PM_erikqy.jpg SONG : EVERYTHING I WANTED" BY BILLIE EILISH.(2019, SONG)
Description: "Selena Gomez: My Mind & Me" is a documentary/drama released in 2022 that explores the personal journey of Selena Gomez, a well-known actress and singer. The film provides an intimate look into Gomez's life, struggles, and experiences with mental health challenges. Explicit Meaning: The explicit meaning of "Selena Gomez: My Mind & Me" is straightforward – it aims to shine a light on Gomez's journey with mental health issues and her efforts to raise awareness and advocate for mental health support. Through interviews, personal anecdotes, and behind-the-scenes footage, Gomez openly discusses her struggles with anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges. Implicit Meaning: Implicitly, "Selena Gomez: My Mind & Me" delves into the broader themes of resilience, self-discovery, and the importance of seeking help for mental health issues. The film highlights the universal nature of mental health struggles and the stigma surrounding mental illness, encouraging viewers to destigmatize mental health conversations and prioritize their well-being. Semiotics: In terms of semiotics, "Selena Gomez: My Mind & Me" utilizes various visual and auditory cues to convey its themes and emotions. The documentary features intimate interviews with Gomez and other individuals, as well as candid footage of Gomez's personal life and career. The use of music, lighting, and editing techniques helps evoke emotional responses from viewers and emphasizes the seriousness of the film's subject matter. Additionally, Gomez's own journey serves as a symbol of hope and empowerment, inspiring viewers to seek help and support for their own mental health challenges. Source - https://www.apple.com/tv-pr/originals/selena-gomez-my-mind-and-me/ DOCUMENTARY : MY MIND AND ME, STARRING ASELENA GOMEZ.(2022,DOCUMENTARY)
In conclusion, the media examples discussed - the film "Awe," the series "Euphoria," the film "Dear Zindagi," the song "Everything I Wanted" by Billie Eilish, and the documentary "My Mind and Me" featuring Selena Gomez - all play a vital role in promoting mental health awareness. Through their storytelling, they shed light on the importance of mental well-being and encourage open discussions about mental health issues. By reinforcing the message that mental health is just as important as physical health and by challenging existing stigmas and social norms, these media examples contribute to creating a more supportive and understanding society. Ultimately, they remind us of the significance of prioritizing mental health and fostering communities where everyone feels accepted and supported. C O N C L U S I O N These movies, series, song, and documentary all tell stories that help people understand mental health better. They show that mental health is about feeling good and being able to deal with life's ups and downs. They also remind us that it's important to talk about mental health openly and support each other when we're struggling. By watching and listening to these stories, we can learn how to be more understanding and supportive of people facing mental health challenges in our own lives and communities. M E A N I N G - M A K I N G