Mental Health Lessons From Wicked: What We Can Learn From This Blockbuster Hit

Originally a best-selling novel and then a Broadway musical, Wicked is a prequel to The Wizard of Oz. It tells the backstory of Elphaba and Glinda, two friends who would later be known in the Land of Oz as the Wicked Witch and the Good Witch, respectively. The musical has taken the world by storm for over twenty years, and now, its title as a cultural phenomenon persists with record-shattering box office success as a film adaptation. 

Some conjecture that part of its success is due to the fact that Wicked can be interpreted as much more than an entertaining story. Though it’s a work of fiction, Wicked shows us examples of real-world struggles around mental health challenges like stigma, loneliness, identity, and resilience. Below, we’ll explore these themes, why they resonate with so many people, and how storytelling can be a powerful tool for fostering awareness, empathy, and growth. 

Themes of guilt, rejection, and shame

Perhaps one of the most pervasive themes woven throughout Elphaba's story is that of rejection. From the very beginning, her father rejects her for her "unnatural greenness”—and possibly because she is the product of her mother's affair with another man. As the story progresses, she also endures rejection from her peers, instructors, and even her sister.

This rejection takes a significant toll on Elphaba’s psyche, creating feelings of shame for how others wrongfully perceive her. Her father’s rejection also creates an undercurrent of guilt when her mother becomes pregnant, and he forces her to chew milkflowers to prevent the baby from being born green as well. In the end, the flowers result in her baby sister’s premature birth and paralysis in her legs. In addition to bearing the brunt of the blame for her sister’s condition, Elphaba’s father also holds her responsible for her mother’s death during childbirth. 

Racism and stigma 

Elphaba is a symbol of “difference” throughout the story. Her green skin serves as a visual marker of otherness, setting her apart in society and making her a target of ridicule and fear. 

Additionally, an underlying theme of racism can be perceived, as Elphaba’s skin color presents considerable obstacles throughout her life compared to her non-green peers. When her wizardry powers become known to her classmates, she stands apart even more, adding to her experiences of discrimination and isolation. 

The real-world psychological effects of stigma

Labeling and stereotyping can create a perpetual cycle of exclusion and self-doubt. Constant rejection, abuse, and bullying by peers often affect self-esteem, fostering senses of inadequacy and anger—a factor that plays a role in Elphaba's attempts to control her powers. 

Loneliness and isolation

Despite Elphaba’s considerable intelligence and power, she feels deeply lonely due to societal rejection and strained family relationships. Glinda also has hidden characteristics of loneliness. Even though she is exceedingly popular with her peers and adored by society, there are hints of struggles with internal insecurities and the superficiality of her relationships. Glinda’s loneliness reflects the paradox of how external success can hide internal emptiness.

The real-world impacts of isolation on mental health 

Studies repeatedly suggest that social isolation and alienation can profoundly impact overall well-being in many ways. They may increase the risk of developing disorders like depression, anxiety, and even dementia. In other words, not only can a lack of social connection potentially create or exacerbate existing mental health conditions, but it may also negatively affect brain health and physical wellness over the long term. 

The desire for social acceptance

During her song "Popular," Glinda touches on themes of social status and popularity as she attempts to teach Elphaba how to become more socially adept. However, Glinda's perspective isn't particularly wholesome, and Elphaba learns later that Glinda's insights are largely accurate. This moment may resonate with many people, especially adolescents, who find that social success isn't so much about aptitude and merit but more about popularity and adoration. As in Elphaba’s case, a person may be intelligent and powerful, but that doesn’t necessarily mean they’ll “fit in.” Coping with this paradox can be difficult.

The importance of meaningful relationships for mental health

The growing friendship between Elphaba and Glinda benefits both characters in ways one might see in the real world. Their friendship serves as a reprieve from Elphaba’s feelings of isolation and perhaps Glinda's hidden loneliness as well. Their friendship gives Elphaba the confidence and the support she needs to pursue her goals while also providing Glinda with a more substantial connection than she'd likely experience with her adoring but shallow peers. 

In real life, ample research suggests that healthy friendships and other meaningful relationships may contribute significantly to health and well-being in many ways. For example, some studies suggest that people with close friendships may be less likely to experience depression and die from causes like heart disease and chronic illnesses.

Mental health and the complexity of identity 

Elphaba’s journey to discovering her own identity is another of the most prominent themes in Wicked. For example, in the story, Elphaba struggles to reconcile her innate goodness with the “wicked” label imposed on her by society. Glenda raises the issue of nature vs. nurture when she ponders whether one is born wicked or has wickedness "thrust upon them" at some point in life. 

This topic has been widely debated by psychologists, philosophers, and thought leaders of all types. Do genetics primarily influence our temperament, or do our environment and experiences predominantly shape it? Twin studies shed some light on the matter’s complexity, with results suggesting that the answer is a combination of both.  

Realizing and embracing one’s identity

Elphaba’s transformation is a journey of self-discovery powered by courage and authenticity. Elphaba eventually accepts her uniqueness—culminating in the song “Defying Gravity”—learns to trust her instincts, and rejects societal limitations to forge her own path. Her realization and embracing of her own identity manifest when she finds her voice and acts according to her values, even though it defies the Wizard’s rules. 

In addition, Elphaba and Glinda share some elements of self-actualization throughout the story. For example, they both experience the growth that often comes with accepting and appreciating each other's differences. They're both torn between societal expectations and awareness of what is right. In some ways, they both must also balance their public persona with their personal desires. 

Resilience and grit 

The psychological toll of trying to conform to societal standards can be significant, and it often takes courage to "claim your space"—especially when it seems like the entire world is against you. Elphaba's story is one of resilience in the face of adversity. She learns to cope with the public ridicule she receives in many ways, including through a clever, memorized "script" to address insults and mockery in new social situations. Despite being shunned and vilified by her family and peers, she chooses the high road and uses her powers for good.

Studies on resilience and real-world applications

Studies on resilience indicate that it’s a dynamic process. Over time, individuals can learn and develop resilience skills through exposure to challenges and the implementation of healthy coping strategies. Additionally, optimism, strong social support, self-efficacy, and emotional regulation skills may be protective buffers against the effects of adversity. Although Elphaba initially lacked optimism and social support, she found them later in the story through her friendship with Glinda.  

Resilience is key to managing conflict in many real-world situations, from school to work to social interactions. It also helps psychologists understand why different people cope with traumatic experiences in different ways. Researchers study how resilience develops throughout a person’s lifespan to identify key protective factors in childhood and adolescence. 

Healing from past trauma

One may also interpret the story of Elphaba's journey as a metaphor for healing past trauma through embracing one's authentic self. Her life began with abandonment by her birth father and animosity from her father in name. She was bullied by her peers in childhood and endured general mistreatment from the humans around her. Throughout the story, she shows some behaviors common in children who have experienced trauma. As she ages—and with some help from Glinda—she understands she isn't responsible for the trauma and mistreatment she endured as a child. 

Elphaba and the concept of the inner child

The inner child is a psychological concept that suggests that unresolved childhood experiences and emotions can resurface throughout one’s life and influence adult behavior and well-being. As we grow into adulthood, the psychological impact of any unmet needs for comfort and love in childhood combine with our innate temperament, creativity, and sensitivity to shape our personality. Inner child work focuses on “reparenting” ourselves to address those unmet needs and support ourselves emotionally as adults. 

Right after she realizes she can fly, Elphaba sees her childhood self in the window as she flees the Wizard and Ms. Morrible. Some interpret this scene as Elphaba acknowledging her childhood pain, neglect, and abuse just as she comes to understand her power, facilitating her ability to move past it and reframe her self-perception. 

The story of Elphaba as therapeutic fiction

Some people find that thinking about their mental health challenges through the perspective of a fictional character can have transformative power. Identifying with a character’s journey, such as Elphaba's, may help some make sense of difficult experiences, understand other perspectives, and improve self-awareness and self-esteem. 

Within a therapeutic context, this is often referred to as bibliotherapy. Despite the name, the character doesn't have to come from a book. This method uses storytelling of any kind to help people improve their lives and cope with mental health conditions, grief, or trauma. Bibliotherapy may be used as a complement to more conventional methods of mental health care, like personalized talk therapy. 

Finding the courage to speak your truth

Stories like Wicked help create a framework for many to explore deeper issues and complex emotions. That said, mental health struggles are often more complicated in the real world and tend to differ between people depending on a variety of factors. This is why it can be important for those experiencing mental health challenges to consider seeking personalized support, such as talk therapy.

Approaching therapy isn’t always easy, however. Some people worry about stigma, while others might find it challenging to get out of bed in the morning, leave the house, or be around other people—all of which are required for in-person therapy appointments. 

The relative flexibility, comfort, and convenience of online therapy can offer a viable solution to such barriers. With a platform like BetterHelp, you can get matched with a licensed therapist and meet with them from any safe space where you have internet. Virtual sessions are also typically more affordable than in-person care.

Research suggests that online therapy can often be as effective as traditional methods for treating a wide range of mental health conditions and challenges—including trauma. In one recent study, for example, scientists compared the outcomes of internet-delivered therapy with conventional therapy in patients with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The researchers’ findings suggest that both methods can be effective for addressing symptoms, but that participants in the online group reported greater satisfaction with therapy as well as higher treatment adherence.