ABSTRACT
This chapter synthesizes the ideas put forth throughout the collection to discuss the importance of understanding the significance of positive portrayals of mental illness in entertainment media. The chapter discusses how onscreen depictions of mental illness and neurodiversity have contributed to increased awareness of common mental-health issues, even as recent media texts such as The Joker could potentially lead audiences to associate mental illness with violence. The author contends that such texts demonstrate the need to highlight narratives that present honest and more accurate depictions mental illness and neurodiversity, such as those discussed in this anthology. According to the author, the chapters collected in this anthology highlight entertainment media texts that include honest or accurate portrayals of various mental health issues. Furthermore, the author observes that unpacking such texts can contribute to helping audiences realize that mental illnesses are common, and recovery requires a combination of self-love along with understanding and acceptance from the wider neurotypical society.
