#Mediarepresentation

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as punishment for bad behaviour—a damaging misconception that deepens stigma, discourages treatment, and reinforces outdated social hierarchies.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 growing body of research questions how mental illness is depicted in South Asian television, noting that many popular dramas still cast psychiatric distress as punishment for moral missteps. Such portrayals can amplify stigma, deter help-seeking, and reinforce social hierarchies rather than foster understanding. For Thai viewers who stream these dramas, the messaging travels beyond entertainment and shapes real-world attitudes toward mental health.

A comprehensive critique by a senior journalism researcher examines how major series frame mental illness as a consequence of moral or spiritual failings. Programs like Ishq Zahe Naseeb, Chup Raho, and Humsafar have depicted crises as divine punishment or the result of “bad” behavior, especially for female characters who challenge traditional norms. This narrative pattern risks normalizing stereotypes instead of cultivating empathy and informed responses.