We all love to settle down in front of our TV with a cuppa ready to relax for a while. Let's be honest, we all have a favourite show we like to tune into for the latest instalment, I know I do every Saturday. Yes, they may just be soaps or a drama but these shows are also used to raise awareness of important issues.
I am a massive fan of Casualty and I have watched this show more or less for 30 years, well I was only 6 when is started! I have memories of watching it with my Gran and feeling all grown up getting to watch such a show. As I got older, I loved to watch it every Saturday with my mum and dad and now, at 36, I watch it with my husband (he usually moans but he secretly loves it too).
Over the last few years I have seen an increase in the amount of storylines which show patients presenting with a mental health condition and while people may think this is a sad thing to see, and in a way it is, I find it amazing and an incredible way to help raise awareness and educate others. We all know that there is an increase in the number of people attending their GP or A&E departments for the help they so desperately need and deserve.
In a very moving scene in one episode, nurse David Hide, played by Jason Durr, finds himself on the roof talking to his young son, describing that we all have troubles and sometimes your brain gets noisy and that its normal and always gets better. He also goes on to say how needing help is nothing to be ashamed of. Then the moment he turns and says "I have Bipolar" - That one scene had me in tears, mainly happy, as I know those few words would have helped many people realise they are not their condition and they have nothing to be ashamed of.
Doctor Dylan Keogh, my favourite character, played by William Beck, went through a stage of believing the bay 4 in resus, and the number 4 in general, meant only bad things would happen to that patient. He had a piece of paper with the routine procedure written on it and would double check absolutely everything. He also had a lucky charm. He went on to get help for OCD via counselling. Again, this has helped so many people.
It is not just Casualty that raise awareness of mental health conditions. You will find every soap does at some point. Emmerdale has a storyline at the moment featuring Ashley who has been diagnosed with dementia,
To the shows who raise awareness, thank you. The role you play will help so many people go on to get help and hold their heads high.
If you need help, please see your GP. There is no shame! Be you no matter what x
Yes its good that TV shows raise awareness and show you where you can get help, I guess it makes issues like mental health less of a taboo x
ReplyDeleteI think if people see their favourite character going through similar to them it encourages them to get help and speak out x
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