Mental Illnesses In Full House And The Big Bang Theory

There is a lot that humans do not know about mental illnesses, and how it affect people dealing with them, however television shows try to explain and demonstrate what is known about these illnesses. Mental illness can be found in many television shows, but not all shows demonstrate these topics precisely. Television shows touch on many different illnesses, but struggle to show the impact mental illness can have on a person’s life. “Full House” and “The Big Bang Theory” show the audience how people deal with mental illnesses and help people understand some signs of different mental illnesses. These shows signify the importance of understand mental illnesses, but can also create a negative stigma about mental illnesses and the people with mental

Sheldon Cooper. Sheldon struggles with O.C.D. and Asperger disorder. Although the show never specifically address Sheldon’s disorders it does show how he and his friends cope with his disorders. For example, Sheldon has to knock three times, each time knocking three times followed by a name. Once Sheldon was interrupted in the middle of his knock and he had to finish it on the wall before he could talk to Penny. He is unable to continue until his normal routine of knocking is met. People with O.C.D. need orderliness, rules, regulation and are rigid and inflexible. There are many other examples like Sheldon’s spot and their dinner schedule that shows some of his O.C.D. traits. Sheldon has a certain set that no one can sit in but him and he never sits anywhere else. The room also eats the same thing for dinner every week. He needs that orderliness every day, similar to needs of someone with O.C.D. An example of Sheldon’s Asperger disorder is when he struggles with understanding social cues, as well as his and other people’s feelings. Most of the time Sheldon does not understand sarcastic remarks; he often takes these statements seriously until someone points out that is was sarcasm. He is struggles with understand how to connect with many people. In one of the episodes Sheldon tells Penny that he feels comfortable around her and that is strange because he normal does not feel that way around anyone. This again shows how Sheldon deals with his disorders. “The Big Bang Theory” shows that dealing with disorders can be difficult and is an everyday issue it is very possible to have a successful, happy life. I think “The Big Bang Theory” represents O.C.D and Asperger disorder very well. Not only does the show demonstrates how mental illness is an everyday issue, it also shows how the disorders affect Sheldon and how he deals with them in his own