‘Bodyguard’ has been praised by a mental health charity over its handling of lead character David Budd’s struggle with post traumatic stress disorder.
The final episode of the hit BBC drama saw the former soldier seek support after spending the series traumatised from his time serving in the forces.
Emotional scenes saw him meet with an occupational therapist and finally say out loud that he needed help.
The moment was hailed as a “progressive and positive step in the portrayal of mental health in the mainstream media” by charity Combat Stress, who work with former service people suffering with mental health issues.
Senior Clinical Psychologist, Dr Manveer Kaur, told Metro: “We were very pleased to see the prime-time BBC One programme Bodyguard handle the story of a former serviceman with PTSD in a sensitive manner.
“We were particularly impressed with how the drama showed not just the impact of David Budd’s PTSD on his own life but how it affected his family and colleagues as well.
“That he actively sought help at the end of the programme was a progressive and positive step in the portrayal of mental health in the mainstream media.”
PTSD is a form of acute anxiety and is often diagnosed in ex-forces personnel, but is also being increasingly seen in civilians. Symptoms include insomnia, irritability, traumatic flashbacks and nightmares.
The depiction of PTSD in ‘Bodyguard’ was also widely praised on social media as the finale aired on Sunday night:
However, the finale of ‘Bodyguard’ was not without criticism, as some viewers accused the show of perpetuating stereotypes about Muslim people, after the character of Nadia Ali was revealed to be a Jihadi.
Actor Anjli Mohindra penned an open letter on the topic, explaining she saw the character as “multi-layered and complex”, after admitting she had initial doubts about taking the role.
“I didn’t want to perpetuate the seemingly Islamophobic narrative (something which, when the first episode aired, viewers accused the show of doing),” she wrote for Stylist.
She said, however, that after talking to her agent, and finding out what happened at the end, she felt compelled to play Nadia.
“This character felt real – she wasn’t a plot device. I was able to give her a personal backstory which I then felt compelled to bring to life. The role wasn’t black or white (or even brown) - it was multi-layered and complex. Just like life.”
‘Bodyguard’ has proved to be the BBC’s most popular new drama in over 10 years, with a peak audience of 11 million tuning in to Sunday night’s episode.
Writer Jed Mercurio has since teased further series of the show, while also previewing the fifth run of his other popular drama, ‘Line Of Duty’, after Bodyguard’s conclusion.
Call Combat Stress’ 24-hour helpline on 0800 138 1619
Other useful websites and helplines:
- Mind, open Monday to Friday, 9am-6pm on 0300 123 3393
- Samaritans offers a listening service which is open 24 hours a day, on 116 123 (UK and ROI - this number is FREE to call and will not appear on your phone bill.)
- The Mix is a free support service for people under 25. Call 0808 808 4994 or email: help@themix.org.uk