From Fiction to Reality: Exploring Mental Health Through Relatable Stories

As an experienced psychologist and author dedicated to helping other people live the lives they want to live, I believe it is important to look at certain mental health topics in a relatable way. While it is important to recognize the existence of mental health issues and disorders, it is equally important to make connections between fictional characters and real-life experiences.

Narcissism is a form of mental illness typically characterized by an exaggerated sense of self-importance and a disregard for others' feelings and needs. It can manifest in a variety of ways, including feelings of grandiosity, an increased need for validation, and a need to be the center of attention. In fictional contexts, narcissism can be seen as the drive for power and control over others, often due to a need to be seen as better than everyone else.

Parental Alienation is a form of psychological child abuse that is used to distance a child from one of their parents. This can be done by physically or emotionally distancing the child from the other parent or through manipulation tactics such as making false claims about the other parent and their actions. An example of this in fiction could be seen in Disney’s Cinderella, where Lady Tremaine is attempting to separate Cinderella from her father and keep her away from any chance of a happy life.

Adult Child Estrangement is a form of voluntary separation that can occur between adults and their parents or other family members. It often follows feelings of resentment, guilt, and anger on both sides and can be caused by a variety of reasons, such as differences in values or unresolved childhood trauma. Examples of this can be seen in Disney’s Frozen, where Anna and Elsa have become estranged from one another due to Anna’s fear of Elsa’s ice powers.

Raising awareness about the realities of these issues and connecting them to relatable experiences is important when it comes to educating not only those experiencing them but those around them as well. Fictional characters, movies, and books can serve as a method to convey the realities of mental health in a way that everyone can better understand. While issues such as Narcissism, Parental Alienation, and Adult Child Estrangement can be difficult to discuss openly, fictionalized stories can be used to start this vital conversation.

In my book "I'll Take Those Boys From You," I raise awareness about issues such as Narcissism, Parental Alienation, and Adult Child Estrangement and in order to help individuals who might be struggling with them in real life. By creating relatable experiences through fictional characters, I brought these topics out of the shadows and ensured that those affected knew they were not alone.

With the right support, anyone can learn to live the life they want. It is only through open and honest conversations that we can really begin to make a change.