Reaching Comics and Horror Fans in Support of Teen Mental Health

When the teenage daughter of graphic novelist Ethan Sacks (Star Wars, Hawkeye, Logan) was hospitalized for depression and suicidal thoughts, his first impulse was to tell a story that encouraged her to live. For Naomi, returning to high school after getting help came with its own fears and challenges. Naomi, who went on to become a thriving college student using strategies such as Dialectical Behavior Therapy to manage her mental health, Naomi collaborated with her father as the co-author of the hit comic book miniseries A Haunted Girl (Image Comics), which combined their real-life experience with a spooky — and inspiring — tale of the supernatural. To ensure the series’ depiction of mental health and suicide was accurate and safe, they reached out to AFSP.

As part of the collaboration, Ethan and Naomi sent AFSP initial scripts and then storyboards, receiving feedback on safety considerations, dialogue, and visual representations. Elements considered included the depiction of mental health professionals and psychiatric facilities; avoiding a focus on lethal means related to a suicidal act; realistically showcasing strategies that can help support mental health; balancing out characters who “don’t get it” with those who do; and being authentic and real while still ultimately sending a hopeful message that help is available and that no one has to face things on their own. 

The resulting hit series — and the collaboration with AFSP — was highlighted in People magazine; a segment on CBS New York; and Naomi being featured in a special Congressional PSA on youth mental health. The series has also been greenlit for a continuation. You can read more about AFSP’s involvement with A Haunted Girl here.

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