How Does 'When We Collided' Portray Mental Health?

'When We Collided' tackles mental health with raw honesty, focusing on Vivi's bipolar disorder. The novel doesn't sugarcoat her highs and lows—it shows her manic creativity and energy, then contrasts it with crushing depressive episodes. What stands out is how her condition affects relationships. Jonah's family is grieving, and Vivi's instability both clashes with and complements their pain. The book highlights the messy reality of loving someone with mental illness—the joy, the frustration, the fear. Vivi's artistic outbursts during mania are vividly portrayed, making her feel alive yet unreliable. Her depressive spirals isolate her, even from Jonah, who tries to fix things but can't. The story avoids easy solutions, showing therapy and medication as tools, not magic cures. It's a powerful look at how mental health shapes identity and love.

The setting—a small coastal town—adds layers. Vivi's vibrant personality stands out against the quiet backdrop, but her struggles feel more intense in such a closed community. Jonah's responsibility for his siblings mirrors Vivi's need for care, creating a poignant parallel. The book's strength lies in its balance: mental illness isn't romanticized, but Vivi isn't reduced to her diagnosis either. Her passion, humor, and flaws make her whole, even as her condition brings chaos. This duality makes the portrayal feel authentic and deeply human.

The portrayal of mental health in 'When We Collided' is refreshingly nuanced. Vivi's bipolar disorder isn't a plot device—it's woven into her character with care. The manic phases are electric, full of reckless decisions and bursts of artistry, while the depressive episodes are quiet but devastating. Jonah's perspective grounds the story, showing how mental illness impacts those around the person suffering. His confusion and love are palpable. The book avoids clichés by letting Vivi be messy—she hurts people, even when she doesn't mean to. Her journey isn't about 'getting fixed' but about learning to manage her highs and lows. The coastal town setting amplifies her isolation during depressive spells, contrasting sharply with her manic social whirlwinds. Small details, like her unfinished art projects or impulsive kisses, make her struggles tangible. What resonates is the lack of judgment—Vivi isn't villainized or sanctified. She's a teenager trying to navigate love and life while her mind betrays her. The novel's honesty about medication and therapy adds depth, showing them as part of her toolkit, not a cure-all.

'When We Collided' shows mental health as a storm—unpredictable and all-consuming. Vivi's bipolar disorder swings between exhilarating highs and paralyzing lows, each phase vividly depicted. Her mania fuels creativity and risk-taking, like her spontaneous dinner parties or bold fashion choices. The depressive episodes are quieter but hit harder, with days spent in bed, unable to face the world. Jonah's steady presence contrasts her volatility, but he isn't a savior. The book nails how mental illness strains relationships—Vivi pushes him away, even when she needs him most. The coastal setting mirrors her moods, from sunny beaches to gray, rainy days. It's a raw, unfiltered look at living with bipolar disorder.

What I love about 'When We Collided' is how it frames mental health as part of Vivi's vibrant, chaotic identity. Her bipolar disorder isn't separate from who she is—it fuels her art, her impulsivity, her passion. The novel captures the duality of mania: the thrill of boundless energy and the aftermath of reckless decisions. Depression isn't just sadness; it's numbness, a void where even Jonah's love can't reach her. The small-town setting emphasizes how mental health struggles play out in tight-knit communities, where everyone notices but few understand. Jonah's role is especially poignant—he wants to help but learns he can't 'fix' her. Their love story is tender but unflinching, showing how mental illness complicates intimacy. The book's strength is its refusal to tidy up Vivi's journey—it's messy, just like real life.

'When We Collided' paints mental health with stark realism. Vivi's bipolar disorder manifests in extremes—her manic phases are all glitter and spontaneity, while depression leaves her hollow. The book excels in showing how her condition affects daily life, from strained family dynamics to her turbulent romance with Jonah. His grounded nature contrasts her volatility, but neither is idealized. Vivi's therapy sessions and medication are shown without glamor, emphasizing the ongoing nature of mental health management. The coastal town's beauty juxtaposes her inner turmoil, making her struggles feel even more isolating. It's a candid, moving portrayal.