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 explores 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, it actually addresses a wide range of mental health issues, such as OCD and PTSD. The series advocates for less taboo on mental health issues and for society to approach concerns with compassion, rather than judgment and criticism.

Fruits Basket follows orphaned Tohru Honda, who moves into a house owned by the Sohma family. She soon becomes involved with zodiac spirit carriers—humans who can transform into various zodiac animals—and people with 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 protagonist's eyes 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 appear 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 his mother's death and never performs on stage again.

His monochromatic life is turned upside down the day he meets the eccentric violinist Kaori Miyazono, who puts Arima back in the spotlight as his accompanist. Using music as its medium, the anime manages to provide an insightful look at the grieving process and its effect on an individual's mental strength.

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 cope with loneliness and peer pressure.

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 arrives like a lion, which helps to shed a brighter light on the topic of mental health.

5. Colorful

Colorful is a thought-provoking film that explores the modern struggles of young people who are overwhelmed by various issues that lead them to suicide and mental breakdowns. The film tells the story of a soul that awakens 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 Makoto committed suicide and atones for his sins within six months! "Colorful" is a beautiful and moving film that tells the importance of finding one's place in the world.

4. Death Parade

The psychological thriller Death Parade begins with a puzzling 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 taken 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. Unbeknownst to the customers, 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 wasn't 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 it describes, she realizes it's real. With the letter as her guide, Naho vows to change the course of the future and save Kakeru's life before it's too late.

1. Welcome to the NHK

Welcome to the NHK is a true story about the author as a hikikomori (adults who withdraw from social life) struggling with depression and royalties. The anime follows Tatsuhiro Sato, a university dropout who is too anxious to leave home and barely interacts with others.

Concerned about his reclusive behavior, a friend named Misaki tries to help him overcome his deep-seated insecurities so that Tatsuhiro can overcome 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 and recommend any other anime like the ones listed above. Also, don't forget to share this article with your otaku friends.