Exploring Mental Health Through the Lens of a Cartoon Horse: A Therapeutic Review of BoJack Horseman
Having just finished watching its sixth and final season, I am of the opinion that within the realm of television, few shows have dared to delve as deeply into the complexities of mental health as BoJack Horseman. This animated series takes us on a poignant journey through the highs and lows of life, offering a strikingly accurate portrayal of various mental health struggles. This blog post will explore some of the themes addressed throughout its runtime, whilst considering the life lessons it has to offer from a therapeutic perspective.
Authenticity in Flawed Characters
BoJack Horseman excels in presenting flawed characters with genuine depth. Each member of the cast grapples with their own mental health challenges, such as addiction, depression, self-destructive behavior, and existential crises, mirroring the complexity of real-life struggles. This authenticity helps viewers connect on a personal level, fostering empathy and understanding. By portraying characters authentically, the show delves into their emotional depth. Viewers witness the internal struggles and conflicts faced by characters like BoJack, Diane, and Princess Carolyn, which evoke empathy and understanding. For example, BoJack's constant battle with self-loathing and Diane's search for meaning in her life are portrayed with raw honesty, making their journeys deeply moving.
The show often challenges stereotypes by humanising its flawed characters. It subverts expectations by demonstrating that flawed individuals are not simply villains or heroes but multifaceted beings with both admirable qualities and significant flaws. The character of Todd, for instance, defies traditional norms of success and ambition, yet his journey is one of self-discovery and growth.
The authenticity of flawed characters allows the show to explore complex moral dilemmas. Characters often grapple with ethical decisions and their consequences, highlighting the grey areas of morality. BoJack's actions, for example, frequently blur the lines between right and wrong, forcing viewers to confront the ambiguity of human behavior.
By depicting flawed characters authentically, "BoJack Horseman" fosters empathy and understanding among its audience. Viewers are encouraged to empathise with characters despite their shortcomings, recognising that everyone struggles and makes mistakes. This emphasis on empathy contributes to a more compassionate and nuanced view of human nature.
BoJack is the epitome of a flawed character. His struggles with addiction, self-sabotage, and deep-seated insecurities are portrayed with brutal honesty throughout the series. Despite his numerous shortcomings, viewers empathise with him as they witness the underlying pain driving his behavior.
Depicting the Dark Side of Success
The show portrays the pitfalls of fame and success with a raw and unflinching honesty, reflecting real-life struggles faced by many individuals in the entertainment industry. By showcasing the less glamorous aspects of fame, "BoJack Horseman" presents a more authentic portrayal of the highs and lows of achieving success.
The main character, BoJack Horseman, serves as a poignant example of the toll that success can take on an individual. Despite achieving fame and fortune as a former sitcom star, BoJack grapples with deep-seated insecurities, addiction issues, and a pervasive sense of emptiness. His journey throughout the series is marked by attempts to find meaning and redemption in the face of his own self-destructive behavior.
Through its depiction of BoJack and other characters in the entertainment industry, the show offers a critique of celebrity culture and the superficiality of fame. It exposes the facade of glamour and wealth, highlighting the loneliness, isolation, and moral decay that can accompany celebrity status.
By delving into the dark side of success and fame and internal battles that can accompany external achievement. BoJack's journey serves as a cautionary tale, shedding light on the importance of mental well-being amidst societal expectations and personal accomplishments.
Substance Abuse and Escapism
Throughout the series many characters resort to various forms of escapism to avoid facing their problems. BoJack himself, frequently turns to alcohol, drugs, and casual sex to numb his emotional pain and evade responsibility. For instance, in Season 1, we see BoJack's reliance on alcohol to deal with his loneliness and feelings of insignificance, often leading to destructive behavior and strained relationships. BoJack's reliance on substances to numb his pain is a stark representation of how individuals may turn to unhealthy coping mechanisms. The show doesn't romanticise these behaviors but rather showcases the detrimental impact they can have on one's mental health.
The show explores how substance abuse can be symptomatic of underlying mental health issues and unresolved trauma. BoJack's addiction to alcohol and drugs stems from his profound feelings of self-loathing and inadequacy, which are rooted in his dysfunctional childhood and troubled relationships. Throughout the series, BoJack's substance abuse serves as a manifestation of his inner turmoil and the desperate search for meaning and fulfillment.
The series portrays the cyclical nature of addiction, wherein individuals struggle to break free from destructive patterns despite their best intentions. Despite numerous attempts to reform and improve his life, BoJack often finds himself trapped in a cycle of addiction and relapse, unable to escape the grip of his vices. This is exemplified in Season 3 when BoJack, despite entering rehab, continues to struggle with sobriety and ultimately relapses, highlighting the complexities of addiction recovery.
The show also underscores the consequences of using escapism as a means of avoiding reality. Characters like BoJack, Princess Carolyn, and Diane find themselves grappling with the repercussions of their escapist tendencies, ranging from damaged relationships to missed opportunities and personal growth. For instance, Princess Carolyn's relentless pursuit of success often leads her to neglect her own well-being and happiness, ultimately leaving her feeling unfulfilled and empty.
Relationships and Connection
BoJack Horseman emphasises the significance of meaningful relationships in mental well-being. Characters grapple with the challenges of forming and maintaining connections, reflecting the real-life struggles many face in building a support system.
At the core of the series is BoJack's tumultuous relationships with his friends, family, colleagues, and romantic partners. BoJack struggles with deep-seated insecurities and self-destructive tendencies stemming from his dysfunctional upbringing and his past traumas. His relationships, particularly with characters like Princess Carolyn, Todd, Diane, and Sarah Lynn, are marked by moments of genuine connection, but also by betrayal, manipulation, and heartbreak. For example, BoJack's dynamic with Diane evolves from a professional working relationship to a deep friendship built on shared struggles, but is also marred by conflicts and misunderstandings.
Throughout the series, the characters grapple with the search for meaningful connections in a world marked by superficiality and alienation. BoJack, despite his fame and success, often feels profoundly lonely and disconnected from those around him. This theme is exemplified in various storylines, such as Todd's quest for identity and belonging, Princess Carolyn's balancing act between her personal and professional life, and Diane's existential crisis as she struggles to find her place in the world.
The relationships and connections forged by the characters profoundly shape their development over the course of the series. For instance, BoJack's interactions with characters like Todd and Diane challenge his perceptions and force him to confront his flaws and destructive behaviors. Similarly, Princess Carolyn's relationships with characters like Judah and Ralph help her redefine her priorities and find a sense of fulfillment outside of her career.
The show excels at portraying the messy, contradictory nature of human relationships and doesn't shy away from depicting the highs and lows of interpersonal connections, including moments of intimacy, vulnerability, empathy, and betrayal. These nuanced portrayals add depth to the characters and resonate with audiences who recognise the complexities of their own relationships.
The Pursuit of Happiness
The show challenges the conventional narrative of achieving happiness, illustrating that it's not a destination but an ongoing process. BoJack's constant quest for fulfillment mirrors the universal human experience of seeking meaning and purpose in the face of internal turmoil.
Throughout the series, BoJack pursues various avenues in search of happiness, including fame, wealth, relationships, and substance abuse. However, he often finds that these pursuits only provide temporary relief or even exacerbate his inner turmoil. For example, BoJack indulges in drugs, alcohol, and casual sex to numb his pain but ultimately realises that these vices only deepen his sense of loneliness and alienation.
BoJack's journey is characterised by a constant struggle between self-destructive behavior and genuine efforts to change and grow. While he occasionally strives to better himself through therapy, self-reflection, and acts of kindness, he frequently sabotages his own progress due to his deep-seated insecurities and fear of intimacy. For instance, despite making strides in his career or personal relationships, BoJack often sabotages himself with reckless behavior or succumbs to his self-destructive tendencies.
BoJack craves external validation and approval from others, believing that fame and success will bring him the happiness and fulfillment he desires. However, he gradually learns that true happiness can only come from within and that self-acceptance is key to finding peace. An example of this is when BoJack finally confronts his past traumas and takes responsibility for his actions, leading to moments of genuine introspection and growth.
BoJack's pursuit of happiness not only affects himself but also has ripple effects on those around him, including his friends, family, and colleagues. His toxic behavior often damages his relationships and leaves a trail of emotional wreckage in its wake. For instance, his tumultuous friendship with Diane Nguyen is fraught with tension and misunderstandings, largely due to BoJack's inability to confront his own demons and communicate honestly with others.
Facing Consequences
The series doesn't shy away from portraying the consequences of one's actions. Characters face the aftermath of their decisions, underscoring the importance of accountability and the potential for growth even in the face of adversity. Characters are shown struggling to confront their past mistakes, learn from them, and strive to become better individuals. We see this in Diane’s character arc as she confronts her own complicity in perpetuating harmful societal norms through her work as a writer and eventually seeking to make positive changes both in her personal life and in her career.
The show portrays how the failure to face consequences perpetuates a cycle of self-destructive behavior. Characters who refuse to acknowledge the impact of their actions continue to struggle with their demons and repeat harmful patterns. For example, BoJack's mother, exemplifies the consequences of refusing to confront one's past trauma. Her unresolved issues lead to her mistreatment of BoJack and her own descent into bitterness and despair.
Life Lessons from a Cartoon Horse
Ultimately, what may appear from the outside to be just another adult-themed cartoon featuring silly anthropomorphic animals, actually offers a social commentary on broader issues such as celebrity culture, mental health, and the entertainment industry. By portraying characters grappling with the consequences of their actions, the show sheds light on the complexities of these issues and encourages viewers to reflect on their own behavior and its impact on others.
The show serves as a mirror to our own struggles, portraying mental health in a raw and unfiltered manner. Its honest depiction of the human experience makes it a valuable resource for fostering conversations about mental health, breaking down stigma, and encouraging empathy. As viewers navigate the tumultuous terrain of the show, they may find solace and understanding in the shared complexities of the characters' journeys. I most certainly did, which certainly is high praise when considering it’s a show about a cartoon horse.