Unfortunately, mental health in the Black community is taboo. Praying away or ignoring possible mental issues without seeking professional help is still a common practice. Slowly but surely, there is a shift happening. This was evident in the latest episode of “Grown-ish” titled Only Human.
It started with a suicide scare during a party at the Hawkins dorm. As the RA, Aaron decided to hold a dorm meeting and create a safe space for the residents to talk about mental health. At first, the group refused to take it seriously after learning that Aaron’s promise of free shrimp was a lie. But then, Jordyn Woods, who made her “Grown-ish” debut as a freshman Cal U resident named Dee, opened up and admitted there have been times where she has felt distant, which could be a sign of depression. This is when the conversation took a serious turn.
The episode’s second story, which focuses on Zoey, also touches on an issue adjacent to mental health. Zoey didn’t get into the school of fashion. Her plan A was derailed, and she was struggling to find her purpose. This is a common struggle that college students face which could potentially lead to depression or emotional conflict. Luckily, Zoey does not dwell on this setback for too long and she had a moment of growth. She created a new path for herself that had viewers and Twitter users alike giving Zoey her props.
One of the reasons why people gravitate towards the show is because of its accurate portrayal of modern college life, and this episode was a prime example. The show was able to touch on a current topic in a realistic way with a fair balance of harsh reality and lighthearted humor.
Kudos to “Grown-ish” for keeping it real and getting it right!
