Media & Mental Health by Liz

Media & Mental Health by Liz - February 2025 Scholarship Essay

When I was younger, I watched a lot of TV, and I mean LOADS. When I stumbled across a TV show called 13 Reasons Why. This series kept me hooked for four seasons as it discussed multiple problems I could see in society, real life, every day at school, with my friends and acquaintances. We all go through different issues; we try to cope the best we can with real-life situations and to manage and walk through life trying to find the multiple reasons why things happen the way they do. The show did a great job exemplifying and featuring students from diverse backgrounds and interesting storylines, allowing you to understand why they do what they do. There are various ethnicities, sexualities, families, and personalities shown throughout Thirteen Reasons Why's four seasons, having to do with the issues they face, such as adoption, unacceptance of self-identity, and self-harm/mental health issues. By watching the show, you might see a bit of yourself, or even someone you know through the characters themselves. Every character and story could make the audience identify with them in different moments of their life and how they approach their struggles. There are many TV Shows nowadays that address the topic of mental health but this was the first one to fully draw my attention.

I have always loved music and dance, regardless of what way, shape or form it came from. I find myself listening to music that addresses human emotions and their mental state. When I was younger, the first song that I listened to regarding this topic was "Train Wreck," by James Arthur. The lyrics talk about a person going through panic attacks and anxiety. They are portrayed in a catchy yet emotional way, that I believe allows everyone to relate to at least one lyric. The lyrics, "Unbreak the broken...find hope in the hopeless...pull me out of the train," represent not only feelings of anxiety but also a glimpse of hope. These lyrics are restated so many times throughout the song to successfully resonate with the listeners.

Usually, these topics (music, dance, performances, and TV Shows) are portrayed through the media, such as TikTok, streaming services, YouTube, Spotify, etc. The arts are an essential part of culture and development, offering not only aesthetic enjoyment but also knowledge. They can shape critical thinking, emotional intelligence, and creativity. Expression is engaged through painting, music, theater, dance, etc. because these topics all allow a participant to think outside the box to solve problems in innovative ways. The arts provide an outlet for emotional and physical exploration, helping people to process their feelings, navigate challenges, and build resilience.

Many people use the arts as an escape from the stressors around them. Without it, stress levels would keep going up with no help for students. Specifically, arts programs in schools have their societal effects: affecting the students’ mental health. Art, music, theater, and other artistic outlets serve as important tools for emotional expression and personal development, offering students a safe space to process their feelings. Nowadays there is a rise in mental health challenges among young people. Research consistently indicates that participation in the arts can greatly lower stress levels, enhance emotional resilience, and offer a crucial channel for self-expression. When schools eliminate these programs, they rob students of chances to handle emotional difficulties constructively.

That is why I got into thinking about mental health, my own, my relatives, my peers, and everybody that I could think of. Over the years, I have realized who I want to become: a Psychologist with a teenage emphasis. I discovered I wanted to pursue a profession where I could solve tribulations, listen to others, and mediate to find solutions. I could utilize my experiences, skills, and strengths to help my community. In my future education and occupation, I hope to construct and implement therapy methods to continue aiding the younger generations. My desire drives me to help others overcome their struggles and promote their mental well-being. I try to live my life making the right choices, supporting others, and fighting to achieve my goals so I can be part of the change our society needs. I aspire to be a professional who helps improve our future generations using the values and skills that helped me.

I know that television and media can be deceiving as well as incorrect, but there are many instances where it is accurate. But, the media has inspired me and pushed me towards my dream career in the realm of Psychology. Using it in the right way could bring information, orient us about changes, and help us understand differences. The media has shown me the extensive potential of understanding the human mind and how important mental health awareness is. These portrayals have sparked my curiosity and desire to contribute to the field.