I hope @WOTonPrime, @rafejudkins have hired script sensitivity readers regarding mental illness: specifically, people with experience regarding PTSD and psychosis.

This show has some amazing potential for some of the most interesting and nuanced storytelling re: these issues.

However, all that opportunity could be wasted if the showrunners/writers don't involve people with the lived experience who can tell them if their storytelling is straying into the stereotypical and hackneyed and boring and harmful.

I'm thinking of the Taint-caused progressive psychosis especially (tho Rand and Egwene's PTSD is *important* to be handled accurately).

Psychosis has been so badly stigmatized and vilified in media and pop culture, it would be amazing to actually see this explored responsibly.

For example, one of the most ridiculous myths about psychosis perpetuated by TV/film is that every psychotic person is "a danger to themselves and others" and inevitably they'll do something harmful.

That's the same myth doing most of the conflict generation in #WoT.

The "all male channelers are time bombs" and the fear that generates in this post-Breaking world is the primary way Aes Sedai maintain their power, their authority to act unilaterally and without many restrictions (besides the Oaths).

Except we know that's *not. true. at. all.*

It's not true for us, and it's not true in Randland. We know it's not in two ways: Rand's epiphany on Dragonmount and all the men who have been channeling for years and years who show up at the Black Tower without ever doing something violent. They have lives, families, etc.

The most important way these myths about psychosis affect #WoT's plot is the internal conflict in Rand and relational conflict among the ta'veren. They all make harmful, destructive, annoying, and frustrating decisions based on their false beliefs about mental illness.

Showing Rand learning that these are myths, that ashaman are more than just weapons that can unpredictably detonate, that he's worthy of love and of loving in return ... that is one of the most powerful moments in the entire series.

Showing the world come to terms with how they've been treating these men who struggle with something that didn't *have* to be a death sentence, with the Aes Sedai coming to terms with their actions and behavior-- I'd *love* to see that developed more on @WOTonPrime.

Also something cool; Rand and Nynaeve cleanse the Taint from saidin, and that halts the progressive nature of their psychosis ... but it doesn't eliminate it. Androl continues to struggle, and Nynaeve can't always Heal it away.

That's important to show, too: the ongoing struggle of chronic health problems that can't be magicked away. Often there's no real solution, and you have to build your life around your illness. You learn to accept it. Get comfortable with it.

Like I said. I'm eager to see mental illness portrayed holistically, compassionately, and *accurately* on the show. Not only will it make a huge difference in the world, it'll make for some truly incredible storytelling.