‘The Perks of Being a Wallflower’ Explores Childhood Abuse And Poor Mental Health
A Rare Insight Into How Adolescents Struggle With PTSD, Depression, Gender Dysphoria, And Self-harm.
Director Stephen Chbosky’s 2012 coming-of-age drama ‘The Perks of Being a Wallflower’ follows a teenage protagonist, Charlie Kelmeckis,
navigating the highs and lows of high school, while suffering from clinical depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
The film explored Charlie’s story—how he was sexually abused by his aunt as a child, how his aunt’s death left him grieving and clinically depressed,
and how his trauma, introversion, and severe social anxiety impacted his life. It also provided an in-depth insight into the issues faced by young adults and their impact on their mental health.
Such issues include abusive relationships, gender dysphoria, self-harm, and suicide ideation.