10 Lessons About Mental Health From Bojack Horseman And Steven Universe

In Bojack Horseman, Hollyhock retains PTSD from her time almost overdosing in Bojack's home, and subsequently has panic attacks when exposed to situations involving drugs and drink. Gina, who was nearly killed by Bojack on a movie set, has become more hyper-sensitive to and enraged at situations that make her vulnerable. Though less obvious, other characters, such as Bojack himself, manifest trauma through addiction.

To a more metaphorical but ultimately equally direct extent, the gems in Steven Universe, who manifest physical forms through will, show their own trauma - such as the Pink Pearl, aka Volleyball, whose gem is physically whole but who manifests an enormous crack over one eye after being harmed during one of Pink Diamond's explosive tantrums. Steven himself quite literally has fractures all over his bones from the times he healed immediately from life-threatening situations, and began erratically changing form when he finally had to face that trauma.

Trauma and their effects are pervasive in both these shows. Few shows present these to such an extent, in order to open discussion about how to deal with them.

Just because it's called "mental illness" doesn't mean it's only in your head. Trauma can and will affect you physically.