Taylor Smith
taysmith@lc.edu
In life many of us face struggles that we have to navigate alone. During these periods, we don’t need advice or a guide book. Instead, what we need is something that tells us that it is ok to feel the way that we do. We need relatable, reliable sources of comfort, and those may come from a variety of sources. Some people find solace in books, time spent with friends, or walks in nature. Others turn on the television and turn to shows that bring them comfort. So, if you are truly going through it, consider checking out these three anime titles.
Struggling with Grief or Mental Health Issues? Watch “Journal With Witch”:
The devastating grief that comes with having lost a loved one is something that cannot be described, even by those who have experienced it. This anime follows the story of Asa, who after losing her parents in a car accident at the age of 15. She is offered a place to live by her aunt Makio, who promises her not a life filled with love and warmth, but instead a life of stability where she doesn’t have to move from house to house. This appeals to her as a young teenager. So, she goes to live with her shut-in novelist aunt who showcases many neurodivergent traits throughout the series.
Journal with Witch is a story that explores themes of grief and how processing it can be different for each person. The show also highlights mental health and the effects of it in both youth and adulthood. This anime doesn’t tell the viewer when they should be sad, or how to be sad. Instead, it tells the viewer that whether the sadness comes immediately, or if it comes months or years later that those feelings are still valid no matter how much time has passed.
Struggling with feelings of Abandonment or a feeling of Low Self-Esteem? Watch “Welcome to the Outcasts Restaurant”
This anime follows the story of Dennis, a level 99 adventurer and chef who is exiled from the top adventurers party after he is blamed for their recent failure during a dungeon crawl. This exile of course is more of an excuse for the leader of the party to get rid of him for his own nefarious plots. However, Dennis had seen the writing on the wall and left with no arguments in order to pursue a new path in life. Opening up his own Restaurant where everyone can feel welcome.
“Welcome to the Outcasts Restaurant” deals with themes involving abandonment, found family, as well as the struggles people find themselves facing as they try to find a place where they truly belong.
Struggling with Burnout? Watch “Mr. Villain’s Day Off”
It’s important to spend your days off wisely; this is the message that is delivered through the series “Mr. Villain’s Day Off”. This is a series that follows the relaxing misadventures of a character only known to the viewers as “The General” who is a big bad villain leading an evil army of aliens that are focused on taking over the world and destroying all of mankind. In the show, he is seen enjoying his days off, taking time to indulge in activities such as going grocery shopping, cleaning his home, and his favorite pastime of visiting the zoo to watch the pandas.
Mr. Villain’s Day off teaches us that it’s ok to take a day off from work, and that we don’t need to be constantly giving 100% at our job. Considering the workaholic nature that many of us have adopted, this is something that we all need to remember.
Mental health is something that many people struggle with, and recent events have caused it to really hit home with so many. One positive result of this is that so many are now open to exploring a variety of pathways to wellness – this includes selecting shows and other media that makes them feel better. Whether you are interested in watching something to help you with your current struggles or simply better understand a loved one’s experiences, consider checking out one of the shows recommended here. You may find some answers, or just a bit of comfort.
