The following article includes discussions of depression and suicide.
In this momentous season, Melissa Claire Egan’s character struggles with depression to the point she considers suicide.
It’s a critical point in her character arc and the series that the creators wanted to handle respectfully.
“I was in shock at what happened to this character of 11 years of mine.
They wanted to be honest and sensitive in their approach to the subject.
The head writer, Josh Griffith, explained, “Many people are going to be affected.
There are so many people that have experienced this in one way or another.
They also made a PSA in conjunction with the show encouraging anyone suffering to reach out for support.
Egan felt this step was essential because the episode “did pull at the heartstrings.
Viewers see Chelsea Lawson go to therapy and make steps forward, but she also has setbacks.
“It’s not a linear path.
It’s not a clear cut …” Griffith said.
“I didn’t hear one person say, ‘That’s not realistic,'” she said.
“You saw everything building up to that point that led her to that place.”
