10 Ways American Horror Story Cult Explores Mental Illness In America Through Ally

Okay, everyone gets anxious at some point. How can we not? We live in a society that values success, intelligence, and emotional suppression. From a young age, we’re fed the subliminal (and sometimes outright) message that we’re less intelligent if we don’t get that A on the test. We’re freaks if we start yelling at our neighbor because they keep letting their dog do business on our well-kept lawn.

Guess what that attitude contributes to? Anxiety disorders! 18.1% of the population in the United States suffers from anxiety disorders, and only 36.9% seek treatment.

Why do so few people receive treatment if it’s so common? Why? No one wants to admit to having an anxiety disorder, because mental illness is still stigmatized in the United States. Ally has a therapist and Ivy is aware of it, but you don't see her writing "I have an anxiety disorder" on her forehead. She’s concerned with what others think of her, which brings up the issue of young adults in universities.

College campuses have become a massive orgy of unhealthy anxiety and mental illness. 15.8% of college students have been diagnosed with anxiety and many are concerned about anxiety issues. However, that number only includes those who actually sought help (or responded to a survey) so the real number is likely even higher. Why? Young people are more concerned with their peers' opinions, believe they’ll be ostracized if they don’t conform, and are under increasing pressure to achieve. Thank you social media.