Mental health is something of a sensitive subject for many people, and quite fairly so. But as it is World Mental Health Day, I figured I would diverge on a different path to emphasize it.
These six characters come from different worlds (or fandoms) but all have one thing in common: they would be advocates of beating the stigma around mental health. And would do so happily until the end of time.
Take a look!
Virginia au Augustus from the Red Rising Series by Pierce Brown
I will never shut up about Virginia au Augustus aka Mustang. She is one of the best “leading ladies” in a male main character story and her strong will and stubbornness are something I only wish I had. Even though her husband was the main character of the series, her perspectives were the ones I looked forward to— she stood up to man after man as the Sovereign and could hold her ground in a battle without hesitation. She would lead a war in the name of beating the stigma.
Lysandra from the Throne of Glass Series by Sarah J. Maas
Lysandra, beloved Lysandra. She went to the ends of the world for her friends and would do so again in a heartbeat. She built a life for herself and Evangeline on the grit to survive alone. She loved, and still loves, Aedion but if she had to, she could survive on her own, especially as the Lady of Caraverre. She gave light to darkness and would be a guiding light as an advocate for mental health.
Nina from the Six of Crows duology by Leigh Bardugo
Nina deserved the world. Her willingness to fight and her devotion to the cause is what would make her a great advocate. She did not back down and it was always the farthest thing from her intentions when going up against an enemy. She could hold her ground and even her abilities as a Heartrender were nearly unmatched.
Jack Sparrow from ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’
I feel like this one is kind of out there, but it fits absolutely. Jack always found a reason to keep going, even when there seemed no way out. And whether that is because of tenacity or the lack of common sense, cannot be specified. But, it is his joy and undiluted ability to find the good in the bad that would truly make him a great advocate (and ally) for mental health.
Death from ‘Sandman’
Death, before she is Death, is an older sister (at least in the Netflix version of ‘Sandman’). She worries about Dream (aka Morpheus) and even goes as far on taking him on errands to see the different perspectives of her job. She would go the extra mile to ensure you were okay, even at the risk of her own ability. She has a deeper understanding as well as an interesting perspective, and I think she would use it for the good of many.
Jester from ‘Critical Role‘ (Mighty Nein)
Jester is a very charismatic character, as well as very loyal. She is a character who would immediately notice if something was wrong and continue to pester about it, which in some cases, is what we need. Her bubbly personality tied along with her tenacity to do well by all would make her an incredible mental health advocate.
These six characters combined with their personalities and their strong will would make the ultimate group of mental health advocates. The fight for breaking the stigma of mental health is far from over. Millions suffer from it and are forced to stay quiet, and that just cannot do.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, I urge you to reach out and ask for help. You are not weak, you are human. And there are people who care about you. You can start here with NAMI at their crisis line.
You are worthy.
You are loved.
You are doing great.
And if someone didn’t say it today already, I am INCREDIBLY proud of you.
