Euphoria & 13 Reasons Why: Do Mental Health Series Help or Harm?

The highly anticipated third season of the HBO drama Euphoria begins April 13th, four years after the conclusion of its second season, bringing with it renewed scrutiny of television’s increasing focus on adolescent mental health. The series, starring Zendaya as Rue Bennett, follows a group of American teenagers grappling with trauma, toxic relationships, and addiction, attracting nearly 16.3 million viewers since its debut. This popularity mirrors that of earlier series like 13 Reasons Why, which captivated audiences with its depiction of a teenager’s suicide in 2017, and more recent shows like Mon Petit Renne, Adolescence, En Thérapie, and Empathie, all centering on mental wellbeing.

Psychiatrist Dr. Jean-Victor Blanc, of Saint-Antoine Hospital in Paris, notes a shift in how mental health is portrayed on screen. “What is interesting with these series, and we notice it well with Euphoria or others, is that they are inscribed in time and allow for the development of unprecedented psychological complexity in the characters,” he said. Contemporary series increasingly present vulnerable protagonists, sometimes afflicted with mental illness, focusing on their internal experiences rather than relying on stereotypical portrayals. “The series show mental disorders more justly,” Blanc continued. “They have helped to destigmatize them by giving them visibility and allowing the subject to emerge.”

Mental health has been declared a “major national cause” in France for 2025 and 2026, reflecting the scale of the issue. Thirteen million people in France experience a mental disorder, and 53% of French citizens reported experiencing psychological distress in the past 12 months. In 2024, 14% of middle school students and 15% of high school students were identified as being at significant risk of depression, with over 50% reporting weekly psychological or somatic complaints, such as difficulty sleeping, nervousness, or back pain.

Experts suggest that fictional narratives can facilitate identification, encourage open discussion about mental health struggles, and normalize seeking professional help. “Those affected by a disorder do not need a series to better understand their illness, but it does allow them to talk about it more easily with those around them,” Blanc stated. A 2023 survey conducted with Doctolib revealed that French citizens overwhelmingly view films and series as a source of information on mental health, ranking third (25%) behind healthcare professionals (73%) and public health campaigns (52%).

Though, this immersion in psychological darkness is not without risk. Selena Gomez, producer of 13 Reasons Why, acknowledged the series’ difficult content. “Whether you want to see 13 Reasons Why or not, it depicts what happens in real life,” she commented. “Its content is complex, dark, and there are moments that are honestly very difficult to bear. When I was filming it, I knew we were telling something hard. It can make people uncomfortable, but the series has hopefully opened the door for people to really accept what is happening, try to change things, and talk about it.”

While these series can raise awareness, foster empathy, and offer educational value – as seen with Sex Education’s exploration of sexuality, anxiety, and consent – they also spark debate. Concerns have been raised about the potential for glamorizing harmful behaviors and the risk of emotional contagion. Zendaya herself repeatedly urges caution, stating that Euphoria is “intended for a mature and adult audience” and is not recommended for viewers under 16.

13 Reasons Why faced criticism for its depiction of suicide, specifically a scene showing Hannah Baker taking her own life. Following the series’ release in April 2017, U.S. Health authorities reported a 21.7% increase in suicides among girls aged 10-19 and a 12.4% increase among boys during the subsequent three months. Netflix subsequently removed the scene.

Psychiatrist Jean-Victor Blanc cautions that exposure to depictions of substance use can trigger relapse in vulnerable individuals. He also notes the potential for excessive identification with characters, exacerbating feelings of sadness, anxiety, or hopelessness. This can contribute to a “TikTokization of psychology,” characterized by self-diagnosis based on inaccurate online information and confusion between general distress and clinical pathology.

Psychiatrist Hortense Boulanger emphasizes the importance of accurate representation. “It is key not to forget that the viewer identifies with the character at a specific moment in their life, and just because they feel the same way does not mean they suffer from the same mental disorder,” she said. Blanc suggests that French series often lack the depth and expert input found in their international counterparts, perpetuating clichés and problematic portrayals of mental health professionals.

Conversely, series like Shrinking, En Thérapie, and Empathie are praised for normalizing therapy and offering positive portrayals of mental healthcare. The case of 13 Reasons Why remains particularly sensitive for parents. One mother, Stéphanie, recounted watching the series alongside her daughter to understand its content. “I knew she had the maturity to have the necessary perspective on the series and its scenes of violence, but I think this type of program should be banned for those under 18,” she said. “And if not, prevention messages in the introduction are essential.”

Platforms are now increasingly incorporating trigger warnings and providing links to support resources. Netflix has integrated such links into sensitive series. Philosopher Bertrand Cochard remains skeptical of the therapeutic benefits attributed to these shows. “Since they have become so ingrained in our daily lives, especially since the confinement, I don’t think the world is doing any better,” he said. “It has not become less violent, mental disorders have not decreased, and people from minority groups are not less stigmatized.”

All agree on one point: while series have become a collective mirror of our fragility, they are not a substitute for professional help.