Superheroes in Crisis: Representation of Mental Health Issues in Comics

Superheroes are unavoidable. Over the past twenty years a fandom that was once to be limited to a small population has grown to be an integral part of the American cultural conversation. From movies, TV shows, to their origins in the pages of comic books and graphic novels, these figures have helped to shape pop culture in ways we have only begun to understand. Since their rise in popularity in the 1970s comic book and graphic novel stories have touched on issues of mental health including depression, trauma, addiction, and imposter syndrome just to name a few juxtaposed against the backdrop of superhero roles and responsibilities. Fictional stories have long been a part of a mental health professional’s tool kit, from bibliotherapy to cinema therapy, the exploration of mental health issues in fiction can be a great benefit to clients and their families. Come out to the Chicago School of Professional Psychology DC Campus on Friday, Oct. 1st at 1 PM to this interesting panel.