This touches on one of the biggest misconceptions of mental illness: that somehow a person has brought it on him- or herself.I wonder if “90210” will take this further and explore the contributing causes of bipolar disorder, showing viewers the complex interplay of biological, psychological and genetic components - but it, too, seems doubtful. For instance, when talking about his biological mom - who has bipolar disorder - Dixon, Erin’s boyfriend, explains that it wasn’t his mom’s fault that she has bipolar and that she just needed help (see here).
It’s not a matter of “fault.” When referring to bipolar disorder, many of the characters describe it as a disease, which is a step in the right direction.Managing bipolar disorder is far from simple, but leading a fulfilling, productive life is very possible. But loved ones might push too hard in trying to help. It’s true that any slight changes in one’s routine, such as skipping several hours of sleep, can trigger a manic episode. “90210” hammers in this point, with Kelly’s insistence on Erin’s maintaining a rigorous routine. Structure is key in successfully managing bipolar disorder. Will “90210” show a typical therapy session? Will the writers address effective treatments for bipolar disorder? It’s doubtful they’ll go into much detail, but it’s certainly something that’s needed. We also see Kelly going through a mood chart with Erin, though Erin seems less than thrilled about it.It’ll be interesting to see how much of a role her treatment will play in the show. However, the episode doesn’t talk about her treatment any further. Silver talks about taking medication and seeing her therapist, and medication and psychotherapy both are important components of bipolar disorder treatment.
Though it’s uncertain if “90210” will go beyond a narrow portrayal of bipolar disorder, the episodes do underscore several important points: Her sister, Kelly (played by Jennie Garth), is supportive, but stifling, as she tries to create a highly regimented environment for Erin. She voiced her frustration at having to maintain a strict regimen that includes a regular schedule for meals and sleep, taking her medication, seeing her therapist, journaling and avoiding anything “stimulating” - including not reading a “stimulating” book. In the episode that aired the week of April 13, Silver was diagnosed with bipolar disorder and received treatment. As often happens during manic phases, Silver ends up making destructive decisions, which end with her at the train station, rambling and bewildered, running toward a speeding train. The PortrayalĮrin Silver (played by Jessica Stroup), one of the main characters, displays a variety of classic bipolar symptoms, including erratic, reckless behavior, racing speech, grandiose ideas, hypersexuality, lack of sleep, euphoria and confusion (see here for an excerpt on YouTube). For many of them, this is their first look at bipolar disorder.
#Silver 90210 tv#
So when a TV show aims to address mental illness, you hold your breath and hope for the best - especially if it’s a drama like “90210,” whose primary audience is teens. Stigma in mainstream media is nothing new, and has a long, insidious history (see here for examples). “The script usually goes as follows: tragic event occurs, media pounces, the feeding frenzy begins, the public is inundated with endless graphic and heart-wrenching details, pundits and analysts play the blame game until the next media firestorm occurs.”
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