Whether through stark realism or symbolic storytelling, these anime titles delve deep into the human psyche, shedding light on the intricacies of mental health issues while navigating the path to healing and recovery. In this article, we’ll delve into some of the best anime that tackle these sensitive and important topics. So, without further ado, let’s get started.

10. Wonder Egg Priority

Wonder Egg Priority is an original anime from CloverWorks that delves into some very mature themes, such as grief and loss. The 12-episode series centers on a young girl Ai Ohto, who is transported to an alternate world after breaking a mysterious sentient egg.

In a world that materializes during her sleep, the melancholic Ai and three other girls fight the physical manifestations of trauma that come their way, avoiding a similar fate, which may somehow bring back their own dead friend in the process.

9. Fruits Basket

Even though Fruits Basket may seem like a supernatural romance anime, the show addresses a wide range of mental health issues, such as OCD and PTSD. The series advocates for mental health issues to be less taboo and for society to approach concerns with compassion rather than judgment and criticism.

The story of Fruits Basket follows orphaned girl Tohru Honda who moves into a house owned by the Sohma family. She soon becomes involved with zodiac spirit bearers, humans who can transform into various zodiac animals, and people who have their own twisted and dark pasts.

8. Neon Genesis Evangelion

Neon Genesis Evangelion is one of the most critically acclaimed mecha anime ever made. The series is a perfect representation of a psychological drama seen through the eyes of the protagonist in a dystopian setting where monstrous celestial beings called “Angels” have invaded the futuristic city of Tokyo-3.

Shinji Ikari, a reluctant young man, joins a small squadron of pilots while facing mental obstacles. Under the command of his cold and dictatorial father, he is forced to repel the angelic threat using gigantic humanoid bio-machines called “Evangelions” that seem to have minds of their own!

7. Your Lie in April

Your Lie in April is a critically acclaimed school romance anime series about loss, love, and music. The anime tells the story of a young piano prodigy named Kōsei Arima who falls into a state of depression after the death of his mother and never performs on stage again.

His monochromatic life is turned upside down the day he meets the eccentric violinist Kaori Miyazono, who thrusts Arima back into the spotlight as his companion. Using music as its medium, the anime manages to give an insightful look at the process of grief and its effect on an individual’s mental fortitude.

6. Sangatsu no Lion

Sangatsu no Lion is an introspective anime that explores themes of loneliness, depression, and the importance of family. The series tells the story of Rei Kiriyama, a 17-year-old who enjoys a successful career as a shogi player, but struggles to deal with loneliness and peer pressure.

Being lonely, introverted, and apathetic to the world around him, Rei eventually meets the Kawamoto sisters who help him open up and learn to care for others. March comes in like a lion and goes a long way in presenting a brighter horizon on the subject of mental health.

5. Colorful

Colorful is a thought-provoking film that presents the modern problems of young people who are burdened with various problems that lead them to suicide and mental breakdowns. The film tells us the story of a soul that wakes up in the body of Makoto, a 14-year-old boy who attempts suicide.

With no memories of his past life, the soul will only have a second chance at life if he discovers the reason why Makoto committed suicide and redeems his sins within six months! Colored is a beautiful and moving film that tells the importance of finding your place in the world.

4. Death Parade

The psychological thriller Death Parade begins with an intriguing question about whether people are inherently good or evil and how their actions in the afterlife can determine their fate. Set in the afterlife, the story follows several deceased people who are brought to a bar called Quindecim.

Decim, a referee and bartender, challenges customers to a series of games, and their souls are judged based on how they play. The customers are unaware that they are playing for their lives and must reveal their true selves to survive.

3. A Silent Voice

A Silent Voice is one of the critically acclaimed romantic anime films that deals with the central theme of bullying and its repercussions on the people involved. The film follows high school student Shoya Ishida as he becomes a victim of bullying after bullying a deaf classmate named Shouko Nishimiya.

While Shoya was not the only person who bullied Shouko, he is ostracized by the same people who encouraged his bullying. As Shoya enters high school and continues to struggle with feelings of guilt and despair, he faces his insecurities head on and strives to make amends for his past hurts.

2. Orange

Orange uniquely raises awareness about mental health by focusing on the immense emotional and mental toll depression has taken on the main cast. The story follows Naho Takamiya receiving a letter from her future self about a new transfer student, Kakeru Naruse, who will soon die.

At first, Naho is skeptical of the letter, but as she begins to experience the events described in it, she realizes that it is real. With the letter as her guide, Naho vows to change the course of the future and save Kakeru's life before it is too late.

1. Welcome to the NHK

Welcome to the NHK is a true story of the author being a Hikikomori (adults who withdraw from social life) struggling with depression and royalties. The anime highlights the life of Tatsuhiro Sato, a university dropout who is too anxious to leave home and barely interacts with people.

Concerned about his reclusive behavior, a friend named Misaki tries to help him overcome his deep-seated insecurities so that Tatsuhiro can rise above his miserable life and enjoy it to the fullest while experiencing the seemingly beautiful world with his own eyes.

Which of the following anime about mental health is your favorite? Feel free to comment your opinion and recommend any other anime like the ones listed above. Also, don’t forget to share this article with your otaku friends.