The dive into mental health in this series begins with Rebecca having flashbacks of her upbringing where it is unveiled that she has spent some time in a psychiatric clinic. From there we follow along as she bounces on and off different medications as well as in and out of therapy. Eventually, Rebecca's struggles with her mental health and anxiety reach a point that drives her to attempt an irreversible act.

As heavy as that may sound, the show is still a musical comedy. Which is another reason why the depiction of mental health is so admirable. Even with everything, Rebecca is dealing with we still get to see the funny, talented, witty side to her. Instead of a one-dimensional "crazy" person whose entire identity is the stereotypical and negative sides of depression, Rebecca Bunch shows the multiple levels to the disorder. She also takes us on a true venture through therapy. While the media usually shows one or two half sessions and then the character is "cured," Rebecca shows that therapy is a process with its own set of ups and downs to work through.

When it comes to her attempt, we see everything that led up to it. We see her mounting stress and all-consuming mental health issues come to the forefront. We see her instantly regret her decision, we also see her guilt in the aftermath and her asking for, and getting, help-all in detail. These are all things that are not normally elaborated on.

One of the bigger moments in the show is Rebecca's diagnosis. Borderline Personality Disorder is a heavily stigmatized mental illness. People with this disorder are categorized as manipulative, unlikeable, attention-seeking, without the ability to love romantically and/or platonically, amongst other things. The effects of this stigma can be seen when Rebecca falls into despair after researching her new diagnosis. The series is quick to debunk the stigma as the show goes on. The tough reality for Rebecca and many living with mental illness or any other illness, whether it be a developmental disorder or disease that affects your life: you can't pick and choose how your mind and body experience it and recovery takes time and effort.

Rebecca Bunch's accurately portrayed journey through the battle to live every day with the symptoms of mental illness, getting professional help, the privilege of being diagnosed and actively working to understand and manage one's mental illness is something you don't come across regularly in the media, but it definitely should be.

Fredericksburg, VA

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