07-05-2025
Forum: TV series' portrayal of schizophrenia can affect understanding of condition
The drama series Emerald Hill – The Little Nyonya Story has garnered over 1.35 million viewers across Mediacorp's platforms and ranks among the top shows on Netflix Singapore. Its impressive production, strong cast and tribute to our Peranakan heritage are commendable.
However, we are concerned about the inaccurate and stigmatising portrayal of schizophrenia in the final episode.
The character Zhang Anna, depicted throughout as a manipulative and villainous figure, is abruptly diagnosed with schizophrenia. Yet, she had not exhibited any symptoms consistent with this condition.
Schizophrenia is a complex and serious mental disorder characterised by symptoms such as hallucinations, delusions, disorganised thinking, social withdrawal and cognitive difficulties – not cunning, calculated behaviour.
The suggestion that schizophrenia serves as an explanation for moral failings or harmful acts conflates a serious medical condition with issues of character. Misrepresenting persons with schizophrenia as threats risks discouraging help-seeking and deepening their social isolation.
In our daily work with patients and families, we see how these misconceptions fuel shame, delay treatment and make recovery unnecessarily challenging.
When mental illness is used to justify harmful behaviour, it sets back years of public education and anti-stigma efforts.
We encourage content creators to consult mental health professionals when portraying psychiatric conditions. Thoughtful and realistic depictions can go a long way in improving awareness, reducing stigma and showing that recovery is possible.
Findings from the IMH's Mind Matters: A Study of Mental Health Literacy 2022-2023 show encouraging improvements in public recognition of conditions like depression and obsessive compulsive disorder. However, awareness and understanding of schizophrenia remain low, and many still report a desire to socially distance themselves from those affected.
Popular media plays a powerful role in shaping public attitudes.
Let us work together to tell stories that are not just compelling, but also responsible and humane.
Charmaine Tang (Dr)
Senior Consultant
Chief, Department of Psychosis & Early Psychosis Intervention Programme
Institute of Mental Health (IMH)
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