Typical Responses to Atypical Circumstances: Representation of Mental Disorders in All The Things We Never Said

Early childhood experiences play a critical role in shaping mental health outcomes, often contributing to psychological disorders that persist into adulthood. Early diagnosis, therefore, can significantly improve treatment efficacy. To support this, mental health literacy is essential, enabling individuals to recognize symptoms in themselves and others. Young adult fiction that explores mental health issues serves as a powerful medium for raising awareness. It resonates with adolescents who face similar challenges by fostering solidarity, while also educating readers without such experiences. This study analyses the British young adult novel All The Things We Never Said (Rahman, 2019) through descriptive content analysis, using DSM-5 criteria and current psychopathology literature to code and interpret representations of mental disorders. Among the three narrators—Mahreen, Cara, and Olivia—Mahreen grapples with depression and anxiety, while Cara and Olivia exhibit symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder. By comparing these portrayals with clinical literature, the novel is shown to offer a realistic depiction of these conditions. Such representations have the potential to promote empathy, strengthen a sense of community among those affected, and enhance mental health literacy among readers.