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Entertainment
By Jamie Taylor
Updated: Oct. 6, 2021
Originally Published: Oct. 6, 2021
Spoiler Alert: If you haven’t been following Ted Lasso, consider this your nudge to dive in. Seriously, what are you waiting for? And for those of you who are tuning in (and let’s be honest, everyone seems to be), you recognize that this show is nothing short of brilliant. It’s a national treasure and a true gift to humanity, and I mean that sincerely.
Ted Lasso isn’t just a standout in television; it’s transformative, especially regarding mental health. In its second season, the series has taken a deep dive into Ted’s mental health struggles, promoting therapy through the character of Dr. Sharon Fieldstone, the team’s therapist. It tackles issues like panic attacks, anxiety, and even suicide, while also offering coping strategies such as controlled breathing, meditation, and talk therapy. In essence, the show normalizes the idea that it’s okay to not be okay.
What makes Ted Lasso revolutionary isn’t just its focus on mental health; it’s the refreshing and overdue way it addresses these topics. In Season 2, Dr. Fieldstone is brought in to help athletes confront their mental health challenges. While we often discuss the physical pressures athletes face, there’s rarely an open dialogue about their emotional struggles as human beings. Unfortunately, there’s a damaging stereotype that equates mental health challenges with weakness, especially among athletes. This past summer, I was disheartened to see someone I once admired from my college days criticize Simone Biles for prioritizing her mental well-being. It left me frustrated and angry. (Cue my inner Roy Kent, ready to unleash a barrage of expletives.) I contemplated commenting on that post to express my disgust but chose to refrain for the sake of my own mental health.
Another reason Ted Lasso stands out is that the characters seeking help from Dr. Fieldstone are predominantly men. Research indicates that men are significantly less likely to pursue professional help for mental health issues. A survey by the Mental Health Foundation in the U.K. found that men are less inclined than women to seek mental health support or discuss their problems with loved ones. As highlighted by Bustle, men are three times more likely to die by suicide than women, making their reluctance to seek help particularly concerning.
I can personally attest to the truth of this observation; few men openly admit to facing anxiety or depression, and when they do, it’s often whispered. They typically prefer to keep their struggles hidden or disguise them. Initially, Ted did this too, which is why this week’s episode has me feeling so anxious.
Just the thought of how the show will portray Ted’s response to the public revelation of his panic attack and anxiety disorder is genuinely unsettling. I’m not exaggerating when I say I’m nervous about whether Ted will accept or deny these issues. His denial could perpetuate stigma, while acknowledgment could help dismantle it.
Given how thoughtfully the show has tackled anxiety and mental health up to this point, I’m hopeful it will address Ted’s situation with compassion, warmth, and humor. Still, I can’t shake the anxiety. If Ted chooses to deny his panic attack and anxiety disorder, what message does that send to viewers?
Ted Lasso has already done so much to challenge the stigma surrounding mental health, anxiety, and depression, not to mention the benefits of therapy. It would be disheartening for the narrative to fall short now.
As someone who has navigated periods of depression and anxiety, and who has been in therapy for several years, I value what Ted Lasso has achieved in breaking down mental health stigma and challenging toxic masculinity. My family and I watch the show together—my husband, two sons, and I laugh, cry, and become more committed to prioritizing our mental health and emotional expression.
There is tremendous potential here. Ted Lasso has engaged us all and brought mental health issues to the forefront with kindness, empathy, and humor. It’s not just an entertaining series; it’s a bold initiative to demystify and destigmatize anxiety, depression, and broader mental health challenges. This is precisely why I’m so anxious about how they will handle Ted’s anxiety being made public. Maybe I should take Dr. Fieldstone’s advice and practice some 4-7-8 breathing exercises.
Please, Ted Lasso, don’t let us down now.
For more insights, check out this related blog post about mental health and parenting here. If you’re interested in learning more about home insemination, Make A Mom offers a comprehensive resource on the subject here. For further reading on pregnancy topics, visit Healthline’s resource page here.
Summary:
In this article, I reflect on the anxiety surrounding the finale of Ted Lasso, especially regarding how it will address Ted’s mental health challenges publicly. The show has made significant strides in destigmatizing mental health issues, particularly for men, and I hope it continues to do so in a thoughtful and humorous way.
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