A wave of recent research and critical commentary is throwing a spotlight on how TV dramas across South Asia, including in Pakistan and by extension those consumed in Thailand, continue to spread harmful myths about mental illness. Instead of fostering understanding and compassion, many popular shows still portray psychological disorders as punishment for bad behaviour—a damaging misconception that deepens stigma, discourages treatment, and reinforces outdated social hierarchies.
The significance of this discussion stretches far beyond the world of entertainment. For millions of Thai and Southeast Asian viewers who consume South Asian dramas through streaming platforms and satellite TV, these narratives not only provide entertainment but also help shape cultural attitudes toward mental health—often in ways that can be detrimental for individuals and families confronting mental health challenges in real life.
A recent in-depth analysis by Sameen Shahab for Dawn, a leading Pakistani news outlet, has reignited this conversation by examining how major Pakistani dramas frame mental illness as a consequence of moral shortcomings or spiritual failings. Shows like “Ishq Zahe Naseeb,” “Chup Raho,” and “Humsafar” repeatedly depict psychiatric crises as divine retribution or the outcome of “bad” behaviour, particularly among female characters who do not conform to traditional norms (Dawn).
This messaging, while perhaps intended as a narrative device, directly echoes long-held cultural beliefs in many Asian societies—including Thailand—that misfortune and illness are linked to karma or moral failings (Wikipedia). In Thai culture, although attitudes are changing, some persistent notions still blame mental illness on past-life deeds or lack of religious merit-making, as noted in Ministry of Public Health mental health campaigns (WHO Thailand).
Sharpening the critique, the article points out that these dramas often fail to present mental illness as a legitimate health issue that requires support, medical attention, and understanding—relying instead on tropes that equate psychiatric disturbance with inherent wickedness or feminine frailty. Female characters who are ambitious or depart from conventional gender roles are especially vulnerable to being painted as “mad,” while their male counterparts frequently escape without similar narrative punishment. This phenomenon, the article explains, is not unique to Pakistani television but resonates across Asian entertainment traditions, with historical roots in both patriarchal expectations and literary archetypes.
A 2023 review by mental health scholars James Goodwin and Laura Behan provides scientific evidence for the damage caused by these media portrayals: exposure to negative stereotypes in television increases the public’s bias against people with mental illness and leads to greater social distance (Taylor & Francis Online). Other research has shown that such portrayals can directly discourage people from seeking help, lower self-esteem among those struggling, and even impede adherence to treatment regimens (NCBI).
For Thai society, where the burden of untreated mental health issues remains high and public stigma is one of the main barriers to care, these findings have direct implications. The Ministry of Public Health reports that nearly 20% of Thais experience some form of mental health concern each year, but less than a third of those seek professional help. Stigma, driven in part by cultural attitudes reinforced through media, plays a significant role (WHO Thailand).
Calls to reform media depictions of mental illness are not new, but the latest research underscores the urgency of moving away from “punishment narratives.” Instead, experts say, dramas should offer nuanced and realistic portrayals that highlight the diversity and complexity of mental health experiences. Internationally acclaimed films and series—such as “A Beautiful Mind” or “Midsommar,” which was praised for its feminist perspective—demonstrate that it is possible to tell compelling stories about mental illness without resorting to moralizing or dehumanizing tropes (Vox).
As a mental health practitioner affiliated with Chulalongkorn University’s Department of Psychiatry, quoted in a recent symposium, put it: “If we want to build empathy, reduce stigma, and promote real recovery, we have to move away from narratives that blame the victim. Illness is not a punishment—it is a reality that requires understanding and care.”
Thai drama producers, writers, and broadcasters can heed this lesson by examining their own storytelling patterns. A review of Thai soap operas (“lakorn”) reveals similar tendencies: characters experiencing mental crisis are frequently punished or redeemed through extreme suffering, reflecting not only South Asian influence but also longstanding local dramatic traditions (Bangkok Post). Collaborations between mental health professionals and screenwriters, already underway in Japan and South Korea, could help the Thai creative industry deliver more responsible, educational narratives.
It is also crucial for viewers to engage with media critically. Parents and educators can use high-profile shows as starting points for open conversations on mental health, clarifying the difference between fictional representations and medical reality. School curricula in Thailand are increasingly incorporating basic mental health education, aiming to reduce shame and silence among youth, according to the Ministry of Education (ThaiPBS).
The historical memory of linking illness with cosmic justice is deeply engrained in Thai society, shaped by centuries of Buddhist and folk beliefs. However, contemporary Thailand is also a society in transition: urbanization, social media, and globalized media consumption are driving new demands for empathy and accurate information about health—including mental health. Recent government initiatives, such as the “You Are Not Alone” campaign, are amplifying the message that recovery is possible and no one should be blamed for their suffering (WHO Thailand).
Looking forward, experts are calling for a multi-pronged approach: media reform, greater collaboration between the entertainment sector and mental health services, deeper public education campaigns, and proactive support for individuals living with mental illness. As discussions on mental health become more open—echoing global shifts—there is hope that both dramas and society at large can move beyond the outdated idea of “punishment” and embrace a story of recovery, resilience, and shared human dignity.
For Thai readers, the take-home message is clear: question what you see in dramas and speak out against portrayals that blame or demonize. Talk to family, friends, and educators if you or someone you know is struggling. Support organizations and movements that are pushing for mental health awareness and de-stigmatization. Only by working together—across media, medicine, and community—can society build a future where mental illness is met with compassion, not condemnation.
Sources: Dawn, WHO Thailand, Bangkok Post, Taylor & Francis Online, ThaiPBS.