While the sexual content of 'Normal People' might have provided fodder for Liveline callers, the programme's depiction of contemporary masculinity and the crisis in male mental health has been truly groundbreaking. These issues have never been broached before by television makers on this island. To be honest, we haven't ever really seen any programme tackle them with the intimacy and intensity of Episode 10, which aired last night on RTÉ.
In the episode, Connell's schoolmate Rob commits suicide over Christmas. The loss of an old friend plunges Connell into a depression. He eventually seeks out the help of a therapist, to whom he explains his guilt over Rob death's, as well as his own feelings of isolation and misery as he tries to make his way in Dublin. It was an emotionally devastating thirty minutes of television and Paul Mescal really is brilliant as Connell tries to cope with a tidal wave of emotions.
"You don't need to apologise."
Connell's decision to go to therapy and speak openly about his mental health makes me so proud. #NormalPeople #MentalHealthAwareness pic.twitter.com/GpEVjvliJG— Conversations with Friends (@cwfbbc) May 24, 2020
If there was a candour to Mescal's performance, it was no coincidence.
Just like most young people in this country, sadly, Mescal had firsthand experience in coping with suicide as a student, as he told the Independent back at the beginning of the month:
“Three people killed themselves at my school,” says Mescal. “So it’s not fictional to me, it’s real, and I was really nervous portraying it.” After the first death, Mescal’s mother took him out of lessons for a week because he “wasn’t equipped to cope with that level of devastation”.
This scene in the therapist's office felt like a breakthrough moment in our understanding of the emotional trauma that many young Irish men cope with. Communication is not really Connell's strongest attribute but laid bare by personal tragedy, he finds refuge by speaking of his emotions, and sharing them.
We don't know who needs to hear this today, but it's OK to ask for help if you're struggling. ❤️ #NormalPeople pic.twitter.com/HIp0HtNq6v
— Normal People (@normalpeople) May 21, 2020
There was so much love for Mescal after the episode aired this week.
I've read the book and when Connell goes to the therapist I cried. Just watched episode 10 from @bbcthree and I wept. All the kudos to @mescal_paul and the director #HettieMacDonald. Masterful and utterly moving #normalpeople
— Natasha Lopez (@natasha_witch) May 25, 2020
Paul Mescal’s performance concerning the struggles of mental health is something to be applauded👏🏻His scene with the therapist was both heart wrenching & relatable this was the moment his @BAFTA was secured 🙌🏻 @mescal_paul @NormalPeopleBBC #normalpeople #connell
— Amber Lesley (@AmberLesley4) May 26, 2020
We have all been Connell. After the death of my Uncle, I would have dropped out of @DBScollege without their Mental Health services.
Years later I am still profoundly grateful to DBS and to my amazing therapist (I still attend her regularly). https://t.co/GRE3sNMhFp— Amy Catherine (@thewench_x) May 25, 2020
We imagine the scene will be played in the promo reels when Mescal is up 'Best Actor' nominations at the end of the year. It was remarkable piece of acting that will hopefully be shown to all young people. Sharing your feelings and emotions helps.
If you were were affected by any of the issues discussed in this article, you can contact Samaritans at any time on 116 123
