What “Squid Game” Teaches Us About Mental Health

The hit series Squid Game captured global attention with its gripping story and intense emotional themes. Beyond the drama, it offers profound insights into the mental health struggles faced by its characters, mirroring challenges many experience in real life. Let’s explore how the show portrays these issues and their broader implications.

Addiction and the Cycle of Struggle

Seong Gi-hun’s gambling addiction is a central element of his character arc, showcasing the destructive nature of compulsive behavior. His impulsive actions—such as stealing from his elderly mother and neglecting his daughter—highlight how addiction can erode trust and responsibility. The series vividly depicts the emotional toll of his addiction: the shame, desperation, and fleeting highs that keep him trapped in a vicious cycle. This portrayal resonates with the real-life experiences of those grappling with addiction, where short-term relief often leads to long-term consequences, creating a cycle that’s hard to break.

Recognizing and Overcoming Manipulation

Throughout Squid Game, the organizers exploit the vulnerabilities of participants, using psychological manipulation to maintain control. For example, the "Red Light, Green Light" game lures players into a false sense of security before revealing its deadly stakes. This manipulation reflects real-life situations where people in positions of power exploit others’ weaknesses, such as abusive relationships or toxic workplaces. The show’s chilling portrayal of manipulation highlights the importance of recognizing these tactics and the profound mental harm they can cause, including feelings of helplessness and a loss of self-worth.

Coping with High-Stakes Stress

The life-or-death stakes in Squid Game amplify the intense psychological pressure on its characters. The series captures the physical and emotional toll of constant stress, from trembling hands during a game to tearful breakdowns after narrowly escaping death. This mirrors real-life scenarios where individuals face overwhelming pressure—such as students preparing for major exams or workers managing critical deadlines. The show’s raw depiction of stress serves as a stark reminder of the importance of mental resilience and the dire consequences when stress becomes unmanageable.

A Broader Reflection on Mental Health

Squid Game transcends its status as a thriller to become a poignant commentary on mental health. Each character’s story sheds light on different aspects of psychological struggles, from addiction and financial anxiety to manipulation and chronic stress. By diving into these themes, the show encourages viewers to reflect on their own mental health and recognize the broader societal factors that influence it. Through its unflinching portrayal of human vulnerability, Squid Game invites us to empathize with those who struggle and consider how we can create a more compassionate world.

How Revive Mynd Can Help

The struggles portrayed in Squid Game are deeply relatable, and they highlight the importance of seeking support during challenging times. At Revive Mynd, we provide compassionate, tailored counseling to help individuals navigate mental health challenges such as stress, addiction, financial anxiety, or feelings of entrapment. If you or someone you know is facing similar difficulties, reaching out can be the first step toward healing. Together, we can build a path to better mental well-being and foster a more supportive community.

Sources

• Kim, S. (2021). "Squid Game: The psychological toll of survival games." Psychology Today. Retrieved from www.psychologytoday.com.

• Lee, H. (2021). "Exploring societal pressures in Squid Game." The Atlantic. Retrieved from www.theatlantic.com.

• Park, J. (2021). "Manipulation and mental health: Lessons from Squid Game." BBC Culture. Retrieved from www.bbc.com.

• Choi, M. (2021). "Stress and resilience: Insights from Squid Game." The Guardian. Retrieved from www.theguardian.com.