55+ Anime About Depression and Mental Illness

Anime is just an art form like any other, but in recent years, it has outgrown several others. With a vast fan base spanning several structures and age groups, the content of anime is just as diverse having several themes like action, love, coming of age, friendship, etc. It’s not always sunshine and rainbows in life. In truth, there are moments when we are forced to struggle our way out of a state of unending darkness. To put it another way, depression is a pain. Because anime is so diverse, it has frequently addressed the subject of depression and general mental health. These are our picks for the anime about depression, mental health, and anxiety. Our list includes:

• Aku no Hana
• Aoi Bungaku
• Casshern Sins
• Welcome to the N.H.K.
• Rainbow
• Kara no Kyoukai
• ReLIFE
• Your Lie in April
• Mushishi
• Violet Evergarden
• A Silent Voice
• Colorful
• Wonder Egg Priority
• Paranoia Agent
• Clannad: After Story
• Blue Period
• Given
• Fruits Basket
• Golden Time
• Neon Genesis Evangelion
• Sayonara, Zetsubou-Sensei
• WataMote
• March Comes In Like A Lion
• Serial Experiments Lain
• WataMote
• Scum’s Wish
• Honey and Clover
• Casshern Sins
• The Tatami Galaxy
• Narutaru
• The Anthem of the Heart
• Yesterday wo Utatte
• Orange 
• School-Live!
• Perfect Blue
• Banana Fish
• Words Bubble Up Like Soda Pop
• Orbital Children
• My Dress-Up Darling
• Rascal Does Not Dream Of Bunny Girl Senpai
• Hell GirlParanoia Agent
• Erased
• Monster
• Death Note
• Happy Sugar Life
• Future Diary
• Flowers of Evil
• Psycho-Pass
• Elfen Lied
• My Youth Romantic Comedy Is Wrong, As I Expected
• Kokoro Connect
• Electromagnetic Girlfriend
• Higurashi: When They Cry
• Sword Art Online

NB: Please if you think or feel that you need help with your mental life please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

Anime About Depression and Mental Illness

Aku no Hana

Aku no Hana is a great anime about depression. We are all aware of the two-faced nature of today’s society. Not to mention the numerous untrue rumors that will always be spread. An anime series called Aku no Hana, based on Shuzo Oshimi’s 2009 manga series, debuted in 2013.

The rotoscoping technique was used to create the animation, which disappointed the audience. After being caught stealing the gym clothing of his crush Nanako Saeki, middle school student Takao Kasuga is forced into a “contract” by classmate Sawa Nakamura.

The novel then follows the subsequent events that involve these three characters. Check out our list of the worst animations ever produced.

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Aoi Bungaku

There are twelve episodes in Aoi Bungaku. It is based on six tales from traditional Japanese folklore and Japanese literature. Numerous filmmakers, including Tetsuro Yamaki, Morio Asaka, and Shigeyuki Mita, directed the episodes.

Atsuko Ichizuka and Ryosuke Nakamura are also included. The protagonist of this television series is a secondary school student who grows estranged from his friends.

He experiences self-misuse, desperation, and drug usage to cope with his suffering. Each episode demonstrates various stages of his life as well as the influences that shaped him.

Casshern Sins

What would you do if you knew you were about to die? Robots have taken control of Earth in the universe of Casshern Sins, which is now completely destroyed. The robots are intelligent and once believed to be immortal, but that is no longer the case.

Now that they are all potentially facing death, the robots attempt to either accept the inevitable or put their faith in an urban legend that says eating Casshern can grant immortality. It’s a rather slow-paced program that really puts the horror of dying in contrast with the beauty of existence.

Anime About Depression: Welcome to the N.H.K.

The original novel Welcome to the N.H.K. by Tatsuhiko Takimoto was adapted into an anime series by Gonzo K.K. in 2006. This is mostly an anime about depression, anxiety, isolation and other hardships that many of us are facing. Tatsuro Satou, a 22-year-old college dropout, is a young man.

For four years, he has experienced extreme social detachment. Satou spends most of his time alone in his room, where he develops crazy conspiracy theories including the idea that a shadowy group is in charge of his life and is the root of all his problems.

He encountered a fascinating girl named Misaki Nakahara while traveling. Despite the fact that they had never met before, she seemed to have a lot to tell him. He was unaware that Nakahara had depression as well. Despite the difficulties, Satou might discover that their friendship can help him get over his loneliness.

Check out: 10 Great Studio Ghibli Soundtracks

Rainbow

In Rainbow, a very tragic life is depicted, as well as a life that is fairly significant in contemporary society in relation to the abuse of power. It depicts the abuse that seven prisoners endure at the hands of the guards. Furthermore, it truly constitutes torture.

The program asks the topic, “How does one return to a regular life after suffering such trauma? And more importantly, how can one confront power while belonging to a marginalized group?

It gets serious, depressing, and real.

Kara no Kyoukai

Kara no Kyoukai covers mature and serious subjects including melancholy, loneliness, and suicide. Anyone who watches anime for the visuals will appreciate the beautiful animation. Kinoko Nau, a Japanese author and illustrator, created the original series as a light novel. Between 2007 and 2013, a movie was finally made of it. There are now eight parts of Kara no Kyoukai.

September 1998 is the setting for this tale. Random suicide incidents caused great destruction in Japan. An organization that conducts paranormal investigations found some unsettling parallels between the incidents.

All of the victims were young women who died after falling from the roof of the Fujou Building. It is an anime about depression worth watching. It also has some quite interesting character designs.

Honey and Clover

In a similar spirit to the last entry, Honey and Clover address a few significant problems.

Problems is the essential phrase here. All those little or big problems that, while they might not kill us, leave us torn inside.

Three young guys who attend a Tokyo art college and live in the same apartment building are Yta Takemoto, Takumi Mayama, and Shinobu Morita. One day, Hagumi “Hagu” Hanamoto, the daughter of a professor of art, who has moved in and is now a first-year student at the art school that everyone attends, is introduced to them.

Both Yuta and Shinobu fall in love with Hagu, but Shinobu communicates his affection in ways that only seem to frighten Hagu, like calling her “Mousey” and incessantly photographing her, while Yuta keeps his feelings to himself and attempts to be a friend to Hagu. Even though Hagu first dislikes company, she eventually becomes friendly with the three.

Additionally, if you’re a university student, the show can hit you a little harder than a high school show because it revolves around university life (or close to university age).

Read also: 6 Great Unique Anime Character Designs

Your Lie in April

After succeeding in various music competitions, piano prodigy Kosei Arima gained notoriety. When Kosei’s mother passes away, he suffers a mental breakdown while playing at a piano performance; as a result, even if his hearing is undamaged, he is unable to hear the sound of his piano.

Kosei hasn’t played the piano in two years. He does not put much emphasis on doing well in anything and hangs out with his friends frequently. Kaori Miyazono, an outspoken, free-spirited violinist whose playing style mirrors her frenetic personality, get to know Kosei.

Kosei is assisted by Kaori in picking up the piano again. Despite the fact that Kaori initially doesn’t seem to be interested in him, he soon finds that he loves her as she continues to raise his spirits.

Mushishi

Mushishi is set in an imagined era.  The narrative depicts supernaturally gifted beings called Mushi. There are a lot more primitive lifeforms than “regular” living creatures like animals, plants, fungi, and bacteria, with Mushi being the most primitive of them all.

The majority of humans are unable to perceive Mushi because of their ethereal nature, but a small number are able to see them and communicate with them. One such person is Ginko, the main character of the series voiced by Yuto Nakano. 

He travels to do Mushi study and assist anyone experiencing issues brought on by Mushi in his capacity as a mushi-shi. It gives off a vibe similar to other exorcist movies which feature on our list of anime you should add to your watchlist.

Anime About Depression: Violet Evergarden

This anime show is fantastic. The images are breathtaking.

You will learn how to overcome your mental health challenges by reading this narrative. This slice-of-life anime will demonstrate how challenging it can be to have a typical life.

In this tale, a little girl who had been trained to fight as a weapon had her hands severed in her most recent conflict. She had to stop and figure out how to go about her regular life. Then took a writing career so she could support both her pal and her adoptive family.

She wants to comprehend how people experience love. She is perplexed by this sensation, which has impacted her mental health.

A Silent Voice

We covered this anime about depression in our article on Shoujo anime. Written by Reiko Yoshida and produced by Kyoto Animation.  It will present you with a bittersweet circumstance that will help you comprehend that the future matters just as much as the past, in contrast to the typical anime focus on the characters’ attempts to improve themselves.

Like other youngsters, Shouya Ishida strives to get over his boredom. When Shouko Nishimiya, a deaf girl, joined his class, he had an idea at once. Out of pure boredom, Shouya and his classmates bully her. Shouko continues to be sympathetic.

Shouya develops guilt and is singled out by bullies. Many years later, when he intends to take his own life, Shouya is compelled to apologize to Shouko. This anime’s manga is also featured on our list of shoujo manga you should read.

One of the most Depressful Anime of All Time: Colorful

The simple theme of the film Colorful is attempting to comprehend a youngster who has come to the conclusion that life is no longer worthwhile.

The complexity of the boy’s existence is rapidly revealed as an unclean soul is given his body and given the assignment of discovering his “greatest transgression.”

The movie might not be for everyone because it might be difficult to watch a young person commit themselves. Nevertheless, it is a fantastic anime about depression.

A worthy addition to this list would be Death Note as it addresses the psychology of its main character who himself has trouble dealing with his thoughts and emotions.

Wonder Egg Priority

Wonder Egg Priority is a thought-provoking and visually stunning anime series that delves into themes of trauma, friendship, and self-discovery. Created by Shin Wakabayashi and produced by CloverWorks, the series follows the journey of Ai Ooto, a socially isolated girl who finds solace in a mysterious virtual reality game.

After receiving a peculiar egg from a mysterious creature, Ai is thrust into a dreamlike world where she is tasked with saving the souls of young girls trapped within their own inner turmoil. With the help of three other girls who are also navigating their own personal struggles, Ai embarks on a surreal and emotionally charged adventure.

The series explores heavy topics such as bullying, societal pressures, abuse, and self-harm, tackling them with sensitivity and depth. Each episode reveals the heartbreaking stories of different girls as Ai and her friends confront their own traumas and confront the monsters that haunt them.

Paranoia Agent

Paranoia Agent is a psychological thriller anime series directed by Satoshi Kon. The story revolves around a mysterious attacker known as “Lil’ Slugger” who terrorizes the residents of Tokyo. As the victims recount their encounters, a complex web of interconnected lives and suppressed desires is unveiled.

The narrative delves into various themes such as societal pressures, trauma, and the fragile nature of reality. The characters, including detectives investigating the case and the victims themselves, grapple with their own psychological struggles and inner demons. The line between truth and imagination becomes blurred, leading to a thought-provoking exploration of the human psyche.

Paranoia Agent is known for its intricate storytelling, atmospheric visuals, and intricate character development. It challenges the viewer’s perception of reality and raises questions about the nature of identity and the consequences of personal repression.

With its suspenseful plot and psychological depth, Paranoia Agent offers a unique and captivating viewing experience for fans of psychological thrillers.

Clannad: After Story

Clannad: After Story is a continuation of the popular anime series “Clannad,” based on the visual novel by Key. The story follows the lives of Tomoya Okazaki and Nagisa Furukawa as they navigate the challenges of adulthood and parenthood.

It delves into themes of love, loss, and the importance of family bonds. With its heartfelt storytelling and emotional depth, Clannad: After Story explores the profound impact of choices and the resilience of the human spirit. This anime is known for its ability to tug at the heartstrings and leave a lasting impression on viewers.

Blue Period

Blue Period is an anime series based on the manga by Tsubasa Yamaguchi. It follows the story of Yatora Yaguchi, a talented high school student who excels academically but feels unfulfilled.

Everything changes when Yatora discovers his passion for art and decides to pursue a career in painting. The series delves into themes of self-discovery, creativity, and the pursuit of one’s dreams. As Yatora navigates the challenges of the competitive art world, he learns valuable lessons about dedication, perseverance, and the true meaning of success.

Blue Period is a compelling coming-of-age story that explores the transformative power of art.

Given

Given addresses a number of challenging subjects. This anime isn’t afraid to depict the unpleasant aspects of romance, from the harsh realities of falling in love to getting weary of one’s desires. However, some of its most challenging subjects are how to find the fortitude to start over and how to grieve the death of a loved one to suicide.

Yuki, Mafuyu’s ex-boyfriend, commits suicide. To make matters worse, he discovers Yuki’s body. In order to feel more connected to Yuki now that Yuki is no longer around, Mafuyu picks up his ex-girlfriend’s guitar and decides to learn how to play.

Mafuyu discovers that making music is immensely therapeutic in a lovely story.

Fruits Basket

In Fruits Basket, no character has it easy. Even Tohru Honda, the main character of Fruits Basket, has her share of baggage, and the Sohma family’s overall anguish is enough to bring tears to any spectator. OCD, PTSD, and BPD are just a few of the mental health concerns that this anime addresses.

Fruits Basket takes on all of these mental health concerns head-on and demonstrates the joy of rehabilitation, as opposed to viewing them through a romanticized or stigmatized lens. The show promotes the de-stigmatization of mental illness and the adoption of a compassionate, as opposed to judgmental, attitude by society.

Golden Time

TBI, which stands for traumatic brain damage, can have grave consequences. Golden Time is concerned with the long-term consequences of such harm, such as cognitive damage and persistent mental state changes.

After suffering a head injury, Banri, the main character of Golden Time, suffers from acute amnesia and mood swings. Banri attempts to start over as a university student after the incident, acting as though he is a new person and scared of losing who he is striving to become in favor of the stranger he once was.

Kouko, the female lead, has obsessive tendencies in the meanwhile. Golden Time is a vital viewing since it’s an anime about despair that’s all too real.

Neon Genesis Evangelion

Shinji Ikari is one of the most polarizing depressive anime protagonists ever. Along with subverting shonen conventions, Evangelion portrays mental illness in a wholly original way. The truth is that pressuring children to save the world or battling with despair alone are neither honorable endeavors.

While working on his own mental health, director Hideaki Anno, who has battled clinical depression, tried his best to include psychological themes in his groundbreaking series. The intended allegory only becomes more poignant because some viewers are still unable to “get” Shinji or recognize his flaws. Similar to how it is in real life, Evangelion struggles to treat depression seriously, making Shinji the ideal protagonist.

Sayonara, Zetsubou-SenseiWataMote

More Japanese residents committed suicide during the COVID-19 outbreak than died from the deadly virus. A black comedy about a teacher who is contemplating suicide may seem offensive given the statistics.

However, effective satire can give you just enough space to explore difficult subjects without downplaying their significance. Nozomu Itoshiki, a homeroom teacher in the manga Sayonara, Zetsubou-Sensei, is a profoundly pessimistic character who sees everything in the world through a nihilistic prism.

Itoshiki’s students also struggle with their own particular problems; one is agoraphobic, another has obsessive-compulsive disorder, and one has a serotonin imbalance that causes her to be persistently positive.

Given how frequently the media ignores these concerns in favor of addressing them, these characters offer enlivening social commentary.

March Comes In Like A Lion

While apathy is also a common sign of depression, sadness is frequently one of its main symptoms. Rei Kiriyama, a skilled shogi player who appears in March Comes In Like A Lion, finds himself cut off from society after leaving his foster home to live on his own.

Rei has grown lonely, reclusive, and indifferent as a result of losing his parents and younger sister in a horrible vehicle accident when he was a little boy.

The Kawamoto sisters eventually become friends with Rei and refuse to view him as a burden. Over the course of March Comes In Like A Lion, Rei gradually comes to cherish his life and his individuality. Although there is no known cure for depression, this anime does a lot to offer hope.

Serial Experiments Lain

For many years now, researchers have looked into the relationship between contemporary technology and mental illness. Given the apparent influence of social media, it appears probable that this will continue to be a topic of conversation. Serial Experiments Lain was one of the first anime to raise concerns about how the internet affects young people’s minds.

Lain, a reserved junior high student, makes online acquaintances with a deceased classmate. She has simply given up her physical form to exist virtually, the classmate tells Lain, adding that she is not actually dead.

The distinction between reality and technology gradually blurs as Lain grows fixated on this idea. As Lain delves inward, bizarre symbolism and conspiracy ideas arise. Serial Experiments Lain remains a very uncomfortable watch decades after.

WataMote

WataMote is a really good candidate if we’re talking about social anxiety, the need to fit in, feelings of inadequacy, and loneliness. It follows a teen girl who is merely trying to fit in, make friends, and find a boyfriend—basic teenage pursuits.

This show isn’t as upbeat as other slice-of-life programs are, though. WataMote shows this awkward figure clutching for strays quite realistically, making it almost difficult to watch. This is why, even though it seems like a cringe compilation.

Scum’s Wish

You may already infer the tenor of this episode from the title. Everything revolves around unrequited love and the methods we use to try to fill that vacuum in our hearts.

Our two main characters decide to take each other’s place after they both end up hurt (their loved ones have moved on to other people). This may sound like a plot hook from a high school play. However, things don’t proceed as planned. So this show is very cathartic in terms of adolescent love and the lack thereof.

Honey and Clover

In a similar vein to the last entry, Honey and Clover addresses a few significant issues. Struggles is the essential phrase here. All those little or big problems that, while they might not kill us, leave us torn inside.

There are five primary protagonists in this story, and everyone is battling their own problems. You will undoubtedly identify on a deep level with at least one of these individuals, whether it be in regards to unrequited love, having to decide between a romance and a close friendship, one’s own future, or what success means.

Casshern Sins

What would you do if you knew you were about to die? Robots have taken control of Earth in the universe of Casshern Sins, which is now completely destroyed. The robots are intelligent and once believed to be immortal, but that is no longer the case.

Now that they are all potentially facing death, the robots attempt to either accept the inevitable or put their faith in an urban legend that says eating Casshern can grant immortality.
It’s a rather slow-paced program that really puts the horror of dying itself in contrast with the beauty of existence.

The Tatami Galaxy

Not as heavy as some of the other shows on our list. But it illustrates a very important—yet sometimes ignored—principle: that every decision you make has an impact on your life.

It seems to be a collection of the protagonist choosing several outcomes in the search for what he believes will bring him happiness. Which he believes would result from becoming well-liked and acquiring a girlfriend.

This show, in my opinion, is extremely difficult to watch if you’re experiencing or have experienced depression. Because, even when it doesn’t seem to, it’s occasionally crucial to keep in mind that even the slightest decision has consequences.

Narutaru

Mohiro Kitoh is the author and illustrator of the manga series Narutaru or Shadow Star, which was eventually adapted into a 13-episode anime series in 2003. Teen despair is a subject that Narutaru delves into with ease and expertise. The female protagonist suffers from bullying, which makes her turn to self-harm as a way to cope with the stress.

During her summer break, Tamai Shiina, a young, vivacious schoolgirl, encountered a strange-looking monster. Shiina starts running into other kids who have made friends with strange creatures like Hoshimaru when she gets back home. She quickly finds out that not all of these beings and their owners are as amiable as Hoshimaru.

The Anthem of the Heart

The protagonist of Kokoro ga Sakebitagatterunda is a girl who is mute and unable to speak because of a tragic event she was held responsible for, which left her psychologically shattered. A more physical aspect of the character—the voice—in Kokoro ga Sakebitagatterunda offers a fresh perspective on the psychological issue.

It’s quite a compelling story where the anime develops the character to fix this mental problem, making it an awesome choice if you’re looking for an anime about depression and mental health. The main character actually suffers from a real-life disorder called Selective Mutism, an anxiety-related disorder.

Yesterday wo Utatte

The story of Yesterday wa Utatte centers on Uozumi Rikuo, a man who graduated from college but had no idea what to do next. As a result, he led a routine, uninteresting life working part-time at a convenience shop. Due to its plodding narrative development and hurried conclusion, Yesterday wo Utatte has drawn criticism.

Due to its realistic writing, which supports the coming-of-age experience that a minor goes through when transitioning to maturity, I do believe it merits a space to be discussed. Most people may encounter the difficulties of seeking a purpose or an ambition while dealing with former love, and this anime portrays that unique situation.

Orange

Many people struggle with depression on a daily basis. In addition to being a brutal and terrible experience, it frequently results in a number of underlying negative effects if not treated properly.
Orange handles depression by emphasizing Naho Takamiya’s response and actions after learning of a close friend’s suicide. She is given ridiculous powers to tackle her problems, such as time travel, but remorse and sorrow follow her everywhere.

Fans will see in a single season the numerous sacrifices and challenging choices Naho will have to make in order to achieve a future that is ideal for everyone.

School-Live!

In addition to having an effect on the victim’s mind and talents, poor mental health can cause problems in others even if they do not already have the problem. School-Live! is a show that prominently illustrates this.

In the animated film School-Live!, a group of female classmates struggle to survive a zombie apocalypse. While zombies are a real menace, these girls’ main concern is staying mentally stable.

This also introduces us to Yuki Takeya, a PTSD sufferer with a childlike outlook who gradually and internally drives her pals crazy. It’s an anime that subtly develops Yuki’s victory over her inner demons and a series that will have an emotional impact on viewers.

Perfect Blue

Many people adore Satoshi Kon’s Perfect Blue because of the way it portrays the miseries of fame, lust, avarice, and self-criticism. It’s a movie that hates social media and debates how it might cause more problems than it’s worth.

Mia Kirigoe is a pop singer who chooses to pursue acting, which leaves her admirers with conflicting feelings. As the hours pass, strange things happen that leave Mia broken.

The loss of innocence and one’s perception of reality are various themes that are explored in the anime. Kon gradually draws the audience into Mia’s deranged fantasy, and it never comes off as forced. Fans of anime from the past and present should both see this movie.

Banana Fish

Family values are frequently discussed in stories, although it’s typically in a positive way. This also includes showing families engaging in activities where everyone is content and free from worry. If only Ash, the lead character in Banana Fish, had that situation. Ash experiences abuse from numerous caretakers, grooming, and childhood trauma. Additionally, once recurring issues develop, he frequently fails to maintain a confident façade for his gang members.

Many people will be moved to tears by this anime since it shows people overcoming adversity. After reading about Ash’s life from childhood to adulthood, readers who have had comparable situations will be able to relate to his path.

Words Bubble Up Like Soda Pop

Cherry and Smile inhabit different worlds (metaphorically), yet they both feel the need to run away from it in different ways. While Yuki Sakura, also known as Smile, is unable to leave the house without her facemask, which has nothing to do with the pandemic, Yui Sakura, aka Cherry, chooses noise-canceling headphones—a strategy that works well for many people who are on the autism spectrum.

The young woman is incredibly well-liked on social media, but she exhibits clear symptoms of body dysmorphic disorder by being excessively self-conscious about her appearance and appearing to exaggerate the prominence of her buck teeth, which everyone else believes are just too cute.

Cherry’s troubles are more difficult to conceal because of his Communication Disorder, thus he prefers to completely ignore people by donning headphones. Cherry prefers to communicate himself through written Haiku, a skill for which he has a special gift, and finds solace in hiding himself behind lovely words.

Orbital Children

Although Toya is not the most endearing protagonist, his need to appease others vanished the instant humanity turned back to Earth and left Konoha Nanase and him alone in space as children. Toya’s physical development has been hindered by the lack of gravity, while her seclusion has resulted in a strong, bordering-on hostile animosity toward most people, with the exception of a select few.

When three young people from Earth visit the space station, Toya’s social abilities are put to the test, and his antisocial traits come out in full force.

Toya, who is on a quest to save Konoha and himself from an early death, prioritizes his purpose and principles above all else, and while he does not exhibit the narcissistic obsessive need for praise, he does show very little consideration for other people’s feelings.

Toya also exhibits a sense of entitlement and frequently flouts the law by tampering with potentially lethal AI technologies. Although Toya has a fiery temper, she has a decent heart and sincere intentions, and she finally saves the day.

My Dress-Up Darling

Gojo doesn’t exhibit overt OCD symptoms, but he does find solace in ritualistic activities and social seclusion. He obsessively works on his Hina dolls and cosplay costumes as well, putting his sleep, health, education, and occasionally even his cash on the line to finish his projects.

At a very young age, Gojo discovers his love for making Hina dolls and basically shuts himself off from the outside world to improve his skills in making them. From that point on, Gojo has little to no social life.

Gojo was tragically orphaned at an early age, therefore his devotion to and passion for his profession is perhaps a coping strategy for his sadness. He has very few social skills and is generally rather an awkward guy, particularly when it comes to the romance department, having grown up with essentially only his grandfather to talk to.

Gojo has a hard time speaking clearly when he’s agitated and struggles to pick up social signs, yet he always treats others with the highest respect and a pure heart.

Rascal Does Not Dream Of Bunny Girl Senpai

Although Adolescent Syndrome may be a work of fiction, it symbolizes the very real problems that people deal with on a daily basis. In the world of Sakuta Azusagawa, mental illnesses take several forms depending on the victim and how they are presented to the outside world.

The series’ first known occurrences include Sakuta and Kaede, his younger sister, in which Kaede suffers bodily harm as a result of her anxiety, necessitating hospitalization, and Sakuta sustains a chest wound as a result of the stress of it all.

As a coping strategy, Kaede then begins to forget her memories and develop a completely new personality, a behavior known as “switching” in DID patients. When their mental health deteriorates, the infamous Bunny Girl, also known as Mai Sakurajima, her sister Nodoka Toyohama, and even the supposedly level-headed Rio Futaba are all prone to Adolescent Syndrome.

However, only by being open and talking about their problems can they start to heal. Perhaps if the scars were visible and hence undeniable, mental health difficulties would be a lot easier to detect, address, and accept.

Related: Rascal Does Not Dream Of Bunny Girl Senpai Anime Locations

Hell Girl

Due to its intricate world-building, the notorious anime Hell Girl is one that not many anime fans can comprehend. Ai Enma, a young woman who serves as the link between the living and the dead, is the center of the story.

The stories of the characters will tear you apart, despite the fact that the story’s main narrative may sound dull. This anime is available on Netflix in both dub and sub.

Erased

One of the all-time great anime series, Erased also happens to be one of the most tragic. The story centers on Satoru, a 29-year-old who, by chance, activates a time-travelling talent that enables him to go back 18 years in his past.

With this newfound ability, Satoru must find a way to stop the deaths of his family and friends while also figuring out who the real murderer from 18 years ago was.

Monster

You’ll doubt your perception of reality and how well you comprehend the world around you after seeing the classic anime Monster.

“Kenzo Tenma” is a well-known physician in Japan who is the subject of the narrative. On a tough day, Tenma becomes involved with Johan Liebert, whom he had previously saved but is now on the run from the law for being a serial killer.

Kenzo Tenma must take care of the monster he created while saving him because he once saved his life.

Death Note

A chronic high school liar, who also happens to get a book of death from the Grim Reaper, is the main character of Death Note. After acquiring the Death Note, Light, a clever student of the twenty-first century, sets out to establish his own universe.

You’ll encounter topics like gods, hallucinations, police, society, and general human nature in this psychological play. You are in for a treat if you haven’t watched this show yet.

Related: Death Note Real-life Locations in Japan

Happy Sugar Life

Satou Matsuzaka, the pink-haired protagonist of Happy Sugar Life, is cute, endearing, and seems to be a typical, hardworking girl. She also enjoys flirting with men, which makes her a typical teenager in that regard.

When she discovers a child who has been left for dead by their parents, everything changes. The pair subsequently begin living together when she “adopts” Shio Kobe. In other ways, what seems to be a benign connection between the two is more akin to paedophilia.

Future Diary

The entire Future Diary is insane. It’s like crack cocaine on a higher level in every way. The well-known yandere who is well-known in the animation industry is Yuno Gasai. Her dysfunctional upbringing makes her a little insane and disturbingly needy.

Amano, her Stockholm syndrome partner, has his own problems, primarily concerning Yuno Gasai. The anime’s main plot revolves around a death match that “God” staged for his own amusement. Users of diaries, each with unique talents, must compete to prevail.

Flowers of Evil

The book Flowers of Evil is a slap in the face about how nasty kids can be. The anime will be just as fascinating. The story centers on Takao Kasuga, a middle schooler who accidentally steals the gym clothing of the girl he likes.

He is caught doing it by a different student from the same school, who then makes a deal with him to emulate her abhorrent acts of violence and indecency.

Psycho-Pass

Psycho Pass is a psychological action/police series set in a dystopian society. Everything in this civilization is controlled by technology. It offers a bleak glimpse of how actual life might be in the far future.

Police officer Akane Tsunemori is a NEW cop. Dominators are weapons that the police use to assess a suspect’s mental state. If it determines that a person’s mental health is too poor numerically, they are either executed immediately or put in jail.

If the number is small, they are not punished in any way. A.I., which is effectively a robotic pistol with a consciousness of its own, is what judges all of this.

You can see how mental health, and even mental sickness (psychopaths, etc.), is a recurring topic in the series just by watching it. Along with ethics, morality, and how such are handled in a technological culture.

Related: Real-life Location of Pyscho Pass in Japan

Elfen Lied

Elfen Lied is a dark and thrilling anime series that revolves around Lucy, a young girl with telekinetic powers and deadly invisible arms called “vectors.” After escaping from a secret research facility, Lucy suffers from amnesia and is taken in by two cousins, Kouta and Yuka.

As they try to protect Lucy from those who seek to capture or kill her, they uncover the dark secrets surrounding her existence and the government’s cruel experiments on other Diclonius, similar beings with dangerous powers. Elfen Lied explores themes of redemption, violence, and the blurred line between humanity and monstrosity.

My Youth Romantic Comedy Is Wrong, As I Expected

A show like My Youth Romantic Comedy Is Wrong, As I Expected or Frequently Appreciated as SNAFU would make you see what lonely individuals are thinking. Hikigaya Hachiman, a loner in high school, is the show’s main character.

It’s a show that really demonstrates what goes on in the lonely person’s head and how their warped ideas affect how they perceive the outside world.

Kokoro Connect

One of those anime that doesn’t really fit the category is Kokoro Connect. Yet a significant portion of the plot involves something that isn’t even thought of as psychological. The instructor of the five main characters forces them into some bizarre games one day; the teacher turns out to be a mystery alien dressed in human skin.

Each character is put through hardships against their will by him. Like making it possible for one person to plainly hear the thoughts of another person, resulting in conflict. Or, to make matters occasionally much worse, having a character randomly switch bodies with another.

This anime deals with mental health, tenacity, suffering, guilt, and emotional baggage. And that’s not even mentioning the comedic/slice-of-life elements, which fit in well.

Electromagnetic Girlfriend

It’s rare to hear about the anime Electromagnetic Girlfriend. Despite being brief, the series has substance and depth. One of the main characters, Ame, strikes the audience as an odd girl who follows the other MC, Juuzawa, around and is introverted.

They both find themselves in circumstances involving imminent death, tragedy, murder, and heinous acts together. There isn’t as much mental health content packed into this short series (2 lengthy episodes). But it’s significant.

Higurashi: When They Cry

An anime called Higurashi: When They Cry analyzes and dissects the darkness that dwells inside each of us. It demonstrates the unsavory side of people under duress. More is involved than that.

Everyone seems to be going crazy in Hinamizawa, a community plagued by the demon curse Oyashiro, for prying too much into things they shouldn’t.

Killing someone out of your own paranoia, such as an unreasonable fear of committing a crime you never committed. Or injecting someone with needles because they won’t follow your instructions. Each mini-arc focuses on a different individual and demonstrates the various circumstances and mindsets that might easily push someone over the brink.

Related: Higurashi: When They Cry Real Village in Japan

Sword Art Online

A is Sword Art Online is a video game-related anime. The Isekai is also credited with bringing the genre into the public eye and propelling it to its current level of popularity.

The primary characters in this VR gaming series are confined to the VR setting and are compelled to engage in life-or-death combat. Ironically, passing away here signifies passing away in the physical world.

Although SAO is not an anime specifically about mental health, there are moments in this show that do so depending on the season or arc. One example is Kirito, who undergoes a variety of emotions in Season 1 after suffering a great deal of hardship.

In the early years of the brand, mental health was less the main focus and more of a side effect.

Related: Sword Art Online Locations in Japan

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