9 Female TV Characters Who Are Changing the Way We See Mental Illness on Screen

Military vet Penelope (played brilliantly by Justina Machado) is the matriarch of the family at the heart of Netflix's One Day at a Time revival, but unlike most family sitcoms, this series never shies away from discussing the more sensitive aspects of life. Chiefly, Penelope's depression and anxiety.

Not only does the series normalize taking antidepressants and going to therapy, but it also digs into why taking medication for mental-health reasons is the only way some people are able to live successful lives. (And why that's OK!) It's a serious, important storyline, but it's executed in a way that makes it clear that taking antidepressants isn't scary — it's a normal part of life for a lot of people. The fact that this show was canceled is a travesty.

— QK