so there’s been a worrisome trend reappearing on my dash lately and i’m not sure if it’s just because of poor judgement or if people just aren’t aware– but i’m going to address it as simply as possible. no worries. mama teru is here to make it all clear. here’s the informal kinda salty guide to…
HOW TO WRITE CHARACTERS WITH MENTAL ILLNESSES ( without offending every single person with a mental illness in the process!! )
mental illnesses effect a lot of people, me included. i happen to also have a mental illness that is very misunderstood within the media and roleplaying community– DID. it’s really heartbreaking to see people portray nearly every character with my mental illness in a very, very negative light– and i’m sure it’s hard for others to see, too. SO, I MADE A CHECKLIST. do you think you’re well enough informed to write a character with a mental illness? let’s find out.
☐ i have the mental illness i gave my character.
there’s the big one. you pass this– you’re fine. pass go. collect $200. roleplay away to your gay little heart’s content. for those of you who DON’T have the illness that you give your character, you’ve got some work to do. ANOTHER CHECKLIST.
☐ i have researched the mental illness thoroughly and carefully.
☐ my research did not consist of reading a YA novel that sorta talked about it.
☐ i REALLY REALLY REALLY researched it. researched it hard af.
☐ i realize that this is a real mental illness that effects REAL people.
☐ people with mental illness probably follow me, so i’m going to be respectful.
☐ i won’t give this to my muse to make them seem ‘more edgy.’
if you missed a check on that list, DON’T GIVE YOUR CHARACTER THE MENTAL ILLNESS. if it is integral to your character– work on it. understand how it effects the people who have it in a REAL way - don’t go to the media ( which UNCEASINGLY misrepresents mental illness, ) and remember that people with the mental illness you want to give your muse ACTUALLY EXIST, they are not quirks or little add-ons to make us more interesting. they are draining and hard to cope with, and misrepresentation is rampant.
that’s it. now go, run with your little respectful writing and well-rounded muses, and be secure in the fact that you’re probably not going to step on anybody’s toes unless you stop being understanding and respectful of the fact that these are REAL THINGS that effect MANY REAL PEOPLE, so you should portray them in a REAL WAY. thanks.