Ordinary People: Mental Illness in Pop Culture

Mental Illness in Pop Culture

In this series, we focus on pop culture portrayals of mental health issues and professional helping, believing that media both reflect and influence popular perception. In this episode, we focus on relationships in the film Ordinary People that main character Conrad Jarrett has with his parents, brother, girlfriend, friends, and coach. We pay special attention to the therapeutic relationship Conrad has with professional helper Dr. Berger in a film where ordinary people have to cope with extraordinary circumstances.