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Elite Daily – Does ‘Sharp Objects’ Glamorize Self-Harm? A Mental Health Professional Weighs In

Dr. Danielle Forshee, Psy.D., weighs in on the glamorization of self-harm as portrayed in the show “Sharp Objects”

With all of that in mind, Sharp Objects is taking on a tricky task by attempting to focus a series on self-harm without glamorizing the practice to vulnerable viewers. Dr. Danielle Forshee, Psy.D., a licensed psychologist and clinical social worker, broke down what glamorizing self-harm really means:

The nature of glamorization is that there is something relatable about the actor to the life of the viewer, and the viewer may deem self-harm behavior as an adequate option in relieving their distress. The same goes for the glamorization of suicide.

Dr. Danielle Forshee, Psy.D., says there is a way that shows can approach the topic of self-harm without glamorizing it at all:

In the event that shows are going to depict self-harm as a central topic, it is imperative that there is a significant educational component to what the function of the self-harm behavior is for the actor and that the actor is able to get adequate professional help on the show. Shows that portray self-harm should utilize this as a platform of education for those viewers who have considered self-harm.
What Dr. Danielle Forshee, Psy.D., says is that shows basically glamorize self-harm when they present self-harm in a relatable or somehow beneficial way, and the most important thing a show about self-harm can do is to educate viewers about the affliction.

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