Reader warning: The below content may trigger individuals as it touches the topics of self-harm, panic attacks, depression, substance abuse, and relationship and familial-related trauma. There are also references to specific scenes of Ginny & Georgia, so please note that this article also provides spoilers.

Since the premiere of Season 3 on June 5th, Netflix’s Ginny & Georgia has been one of the top-watched TV shows in the U.S. The anticipated return of the series highlighted several mental health-related themes that viewers were introduced to in the first two seasons– including self-harm, depression, bullying, and eating disorders, to name a few. And Season 3 did not fall short in continuing to utilize relatable characters,  offering engaging and emotional storylines, and  providing moments of humor and lightheartedness that explore some serious mental health topics. 

Below, we revisit some of the mental health themes explored on Ginny & Georgia, using scenes from Season 3 to highlight these struggles — and the ways they can be addressed.

Panic Attacks – Ginny’s panic attack while at work (Ep. 2)

The introduction of unexpected panic attacks for Ginny’s character occurred in Season 2, however the show reminds us again in Season 3 of Ginny’s struggle with anxiety and panic attacks– and how debilitating it can be. While Ginny is working her shift, she sees Cynthia– the wife of the man Georgia is accused of murdering– walk into the cafe. Feeling overwhelmed, Ginny retreats to the back and suffers a full-blown panic attack. The owner Joe steps in to help calm her and sends her home. This scene underscores how deeply Ginny is affected by her mother’s trial and the ongoing stress. The panic attack she suffers reflects the mix of grief, anxiety, and fear unfolding for her at both school and home.

Self-Harm and Seeking Help – Ginny reaches out to her therapist for an emergency session (Ep. 1)

In Season 1, we are introduced to Ginny’s harmful coping mechanism of burning, as well as her journey in Season 2 towards addressing and managing her stress and anxiety in a more healthy manner, including going to therapy. In the first episode of Season 3, we see Ginny’s character so heavily affected by her mom’s arrest and pending murder trial that she becomes overwhelmed by anxiety and flashbacks of self-harm tendencies. Feeling like she might relapse, Ginny bravely calls her therapist for an emergency session and opens up about her fear of self-harm resurfacing. Her actions in this episode illustrate the power of support in moments of crisis. It also shows how much time it may take and how hard it can be to open up and trust in the therapy process.

Whether someone isn’t quite ready for therapy, wants to gently ease into talking about their feelings, or needs help in a moment of crisis — we’re here. Text CONNECT to 741741 for access to free, 24/7, confidential support anytime from one of our live volunteer Crisis Counselors.

Depression and Substance Abuse – Marcus’s struggles

While the first two seasons of Ginny & Georgia slowly began to build upon Marcus’s struggles with depression, loneliness, and substance abuse, it ultimately came to a head during Season 3 at the “Tulips and Tuxes” semi-formal. Marcus spirals into alcohol misuse after vandalizing a classroom and being suspended, which also creates a rift in his relationship with Ginny. By the end of the season, his actions and behavior become so harmful that he enters rehab for substance use.

The storyline for Marcus is especially relevant right now as June happens to be Men’s Mental Health Month. Young teenage men, like Marcus, may feel like they have nobody to talk to, so it’s important to check in on them and let them know there are resources available should they need support. Anyone struggling can text CONNECT to 741741 to be connected to one of our volunteer Crisis Counselors, 24/7, free, and confidential. We also invite all to check out our recent social posts on how to support the men in your life and the trans men in your life.

Emotional Breakdown – Georgia’s moment of vulnerability and admittance (Ep. 1)

One of the most emotionally raw moments of Season 3 occurred early on in the first episode when Georgia, now under house arrest, breaks down as she admits to Ginny that she’s terrified of the possibility that she may face life in prison. She admits guilt over her failure to protect her kids, Ginny and Austin, especially surrounding the murders of which she’s accused. This is a huge divergence from Georgia’s typical character traits of being a resilient person and tough mother who does whatever is needed to protect herself and her children.

Throughout the series, the story of Georgia’s traumatic past of emotional abuse and unhealthy relationships is revealed in glimpses, giving the audience insight into how her trauma has manifested itself in Georgia as an adult.

Healing and Reconciliation – Ginny and Georgia establish a way forward (Ep. 10)

After the stress of the murder trial and Georgia’s emotional journey under house arrest, Ginny and Georgia have a heart‑to‑heart in which Ginny pushes for joint custody with her dad, Zion. Georgia accepts Ginny’s wishes and shows real growth in allowing Zion to co-parent. She finally shows humility and trusts Ginny’s judgment—something that Georgia is not known to do. Through allowing Ginny to influence the family’s future and admitting her own mistakes, they reconnect in a way that feels hopeful for what’s to come. The ending of Season 3 underscores the importance of addressing and healing family wounds in an honest and empathetic way in order to move towards building an emotionally healthy future.

The Significance and Appeal of Ginny & Georgia

The portrayal of mental health struggles on shows like Ginny & Georgia, which are mostly targeted for younger viewers, is crucial. The mental health-related topics that the show elevates can act as conversation starters and allow the audience to have visual representations and references for what anxiety, depression, bullying, eating disorders, relationship issues, self-harm, and other challenges might look like– and how to address them and seek help.

If you or someone you know is struggling with the topics explored in Ginny & Georgia, text CONNECT to 741741 to reach one of our live volunteer Crisis Counselors for confidential, free, and immediate support– anytime. Or, visit wannatalkaboutit.com to view other resources available.