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'The Bachelorette' nonchalantly praises mental health care, lessening the stigma on primetime TV

Posted at 2:31 PM, Jun 01, 2017
and last updated 2017-06-01 14:39:53-04

We wouldn’t typically recommend turning to The Bachelorette for dating advice, considering most people don't simultaneously date dozens of strangers.

However, Monday’s episode was notable for a routine date conversation turning into a ringing endorsement of good mental health.

Bachelorette Rachel Lindsay went on her first one-on-one date with 31-year-old businessman Peter Kraus, who said he was single because a failed relationship had left him really confused.

“So, I decided to go see someone for it,” Kraus said. “I saw a relationship therapist, and it actually helped me a lot, and I think it’s helping me a lot now to be more calm in my thoughts.”

The conversation created an instant bond as Lindsay shared a similar struggle.

“I went to a therapist, and it was the best decision that I made that entire year and again, it prepared me to realize what I really want for myself and what wasn’t working for me,” she said.

As the couple beamed, Lindsay immediately reached to give Kraus the rose, ensuring he’d pass on to the next round.

Huffington Post notes that such an exchange wouldn’t be notable in a perfect world. But, we’re not in that world. Forty million Americans deal with anxiety issues, yet many don’t get treatment. Huffington Post blames a lack of comprehensive mental health care coverage, the idea that mental health isn’t “real” health and the stigma that comes with admitting the need for mental health care.

"Because of the persistence of this stigma and the tangible impact it has on people seeking help, it’s notable that a show like “The Bachelorette,” which brings in millions of viewers from across the country each week, is normalizing therapy even making it something romantic. And truly, why shouldn’t it be?” writes Huffington Post author Emma Gray.

Watch the couple's exchange at the Huffington Post website here.