Beauty and the Beast is my favorite Disney story. There are a number of reasons why I love this story. There are the classic themes of appearance vs. reality and love as well as the characterization of a well-read female lead. The story is intriguing. It’s inspiring, and it makes me believe in second chances. You might not have the same affinity towards Beauty and the Beast, but there are a few reasons why people who battle depression should appreciate this story. Of course, Maurice (Belle’s father) is accused of being mentally disturbed because no one believes his tales of the beast and his talking household trinkets. But there is more to this discussion than that overt story line. Here are three other reasons why I think Beauty and the Beast advocates for good mental health. And why I think people who battle depression should take a closer look at the story.
- Reading helps to fight depressive episodes
Belle is an avid reader. She always seems to have her head buried in a book, and maybe she’s on to something. We’ve all heard the saying, “get lost in a book”. Many psychiatrists in England are recommending that people with depression and anxiety do just that. When doctors prescribe books to heal the mind, it’s called bibliotherapy. Physicians are “prescribing” people with mild to moderate depression books to read. There are also programs that offer over-the-counter “bibliotherapy consultations”. This is where participants are given a quiz about their literary tastes as well as personal problems to create a customized reading lists. I’ve used this technique to motivate people for almost 20 years. Reading is relaxing, it builds confidence and it is a productive way to occupy time. Reading is a great way to fight depression.
- First impressions aren’t always right
Beauty and the Beast is all about unconditional acceptance and love. I am happy that I have people in my life like Belle. People who love me for me. It’s safe to say that people who battle depression might not be at their best every day. Sometimes just getting out of bed is an accomplishment. So, the extra task of putting on make-up, curling hair and ironing clothes might not happen. I find it liberating to be around people who don’t expect me to be “on” all the time. If by chance you might catch me on an “off” day, just know I do indeed love myself. I just might not be able to muster the energy to pull it all together. Trust me. If you see me and I look like a “beast” one day, give me another chance. I promise I know how to be a “beauty”.
- Putting others first distracts from your own suffering
Sacrifice is a reoccurring theme in Beauty and the Beast. Maurice sacrifices his relationship with Belle’s mother in order to save Belle’s life. Belle sacrifices her own freedom to free her father from the beast. Beast sacrifices his pride in order to save Belle from the wolves. In each of these instances, the characters lose a bit of themselves so that others might be in a better situation. These are more than acts of kindness. These actions literally placed these characters in danger themselves. They were able to see that their current state isn’t as bad as what they can protect another from experiencing. I promise; every time I help someone else I feel that same sense of empowerment. Helping others helps you, and volunteering may be good for body and mind.
You might see Beauty and the Beast as a simple children’s story, but it is so much more. We might not live in a fairy tale, but we can certainly make an effort to be like the characters in the story. Read, never judge a book by its cover and make sacrifices to help others. And as always, let’s press on together!