10 pop culture characters who accurately depict mental health issues

Dead To Me season 1 production still. Photo: Saeed Adyani / Netflix

Judy Hale

We’re trying to keep our spoilers to a minimum, but we shouldn’t empathize with someone who’s done so many horrible things in Dead to Me. Maybe we’re just recognizing that sometimes we’re horrible people, or maybe we’re just rightfully obsessed with complex character development right now. Regardless, Judy has survived chronic manipulation from a really crappy man who never deserved her in the first place, grieving multiple miscarriages, and guilt from you know whatever.

The root feelings of Judy’s guilt and how her guilt envelops her, as well as all her decision making, is particularly realistic. Her remorse drives her to attempt to make amends at all cost, even at the sake of her own health and freedom.

Beyond her overwhelming regret, the show brings miscarriage into the grief conversation. Grieving can take on many forms, and Judy’s character illustrates that post-miscarriage grief is still the same as grieving a spouse. Conversely, her development also shows that it’s a bit different because it takes on the depression from your self-worth. Judy is justified in her feelings, especially as she comes to terms with the fact that she can simultaneously mourn her miscarriages and feel the ripples of her guilt.

By some respect, even grieving a person who’s dead to you but not legitimately deceased can still be a cathartic way to process those emotions. Similar to how Jen grieves her relationship before her mastectomy, Judy proves that you don’t need anyone else’s approval or any excuses to grieve anyone.