Euphoria and its impact on viewer's mental health
HBO’s new series, Euphoria, written and created by Sam Levinson has become a hit, with over 2.6 million people tuning in to watch week after week. And while some feel comfortable tuning in every Sunday night, others have expressed their concerns for its blurred lines between physical, mental, and sexual violence and have opted to stop watching it.
The show follows 17-year-old Rue, played by Zendaya, as she battles her struggles with her myriad addictions and constant relapses. Rue, who continuously puts herself in precarious positions on her search for drugs, has created a disturbing, yet realistic, portrayal of a drug addict. Because the show depicts drug use in its most raw form, many fear it will incite teenage delinquency.
The show, which has recently premiered its second season, has received criticism due to it’s graphic depiction of substance misuse and sexual violence; those of which have proved to be triggering for many viewers. Through various scenes that some might consider gratuitous, such as scenes that depict illegal acts of sexual violence, statutory rape, self-harm, drug use, and explicit images, the show has become both a relatable show for some adolescents, and a triggering one for others.
Though the idea of a nihilistic teen drama has been a sort of cinematic staple for decades, Euphoria, being so popular, has received an overwhelming amount of attention. Though it sheds light on the unfathomably difficult lives of teens in today's world, many believe it aestheticizes the traumas it depicts while neglecting to fully show it’s consequences.
It’s not uncommon to feel triggered or uncomfortable while watching an explicit show such as Euphoria. In fact, many viewers may experience what’s known as vicarious trauma, or second hand trauma from the onscreen visuals. Though typically applied to health care practitioners, recovering addicts, and sexual assault victims, anyone can experience various trauma from consuming media, such as graphic videos, riots, and yes- even fictional shows like Euphoria which operates on it’s dark themes.
While the show can be triggering for viewers at any age, many adolescents and teenagers will be able to relate to Rue and the other characters struggles with mental health, making it more difficult to watch. Facing these on-screen experiences can be mentally challenging and bring forward negative thinking or past traumas for many viewers.
The graphic scenes of violence and drug use are not fit for all viewers, and that is why it’s important to note that viewers who are feeling triggered by the show can turn it off and connect with a friend or therapist, or look to a crisis line for support.
If you or someone you know is seeking help for substance use, call the SAMHSA National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP(4357).
Luli Marini, Intern for Daily Therapy Dose
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