The notion of rehabilitation in sick-lit may have a history of being romanticized, but in recent years a resurgence of new stories seem to be doing just the opposite. In light of recent criticism, some have questioned whether it is possible for a sick-lit narrative to maintain a good balance between realistic representation and sensationalizing otherwise serious topics. Concerned parents and journalists have argued that some stories involving mental illness prompt young readers to harm themselves or become depressed. Dubbed “sick-lit” in news outlets such as The Daily Mail and The Globe and Mail, there is an aura of concern around an otherwise excellent genre of young adult fiction. However, it has also recently brought certain questions into the forefront of discussions regarding how these stories are written. Twenty percent of teens worldwide are affected by a mental illness it is clear that this is an important topic to address (WHO). Instead, mental illness narratives are taking on a new role: one of healing, growth and acceptance. When one thinks of narratives about mental illness, the characters described are no longer limited to the subversive and villainous. Mental Illness in YA: Rehabilitating Sick-Lit One interpretation of mental illness.
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