From a psychology major

I found this drama very beautiful, it conveys a lot of mental health issues very well, although a bit very dramatized, just like any drama. As a Psychology student myself, I am not extremely knowledgeable, super advanced in the field of mental health, however I loved to see a few of the most hot topics in the field talked about, mainly topics related to childhood trauma and autism. Autism sure can be a challenge to live with, and this show portrays how easy it is to interact and befriend unique people, people that communicate and see the world in a very different, peculiar way. Moon Sang Tae is an extreme example of an autistic person, showing symptoms such as difficulty identifying emotions, repetitive movements & speech, poor eye contact, focusing intensely on one topic, social withdrawal, extreme sensitivity to external stimuli (lights, sounds), poor ability to stay on topic when answering questions, fixations on certain objects or activities, aggressive behaviour (either with self or others), and so on. This diagnosis was challenging for his family, especially his mother who raised Moon Gang Tae to take care of his brother and protect him. What made this show more realistic and painful were Moon Gang Tae's feelings of abandonment, when all of his mother's attention was towards his special needs brother. These feelings made Moon Gang Tae struggle with getting close to other people.

On the other side, there is the "sociopath" lady, Go Moon Young, who appears to suffer from anti-social personality disorder. Now, I've seen some pesky reviews saying that she's the villain, an awful woman, she shouldn't be with Moon Gang Tae, when in reality she is a victim herself. I firmly believe she is not a psychopath, as she shows massive genuine remorse throughout the show, she shows she is capable of empathy and putting herself in someone else's shoes. I personally loved to see a show offering hope even for the "monsters". She is a victim who has never really addressed the trauma she went through in her childhood, therefore acting upon her poor coping skills and defense mechanisms. Anti-social personality disorder is a result of severe childhood trauma and neglect. She was raised by an extremely abusive and controlling mother, who isolated her and demanded her to behave in a cruel way. Go Moon Young shows symptoms of anti-social personality disorder such as illegal behaviours, stealing, repetitive lying and deception of others, often for her own amusement, impulsiveness, reckless behaviour, aggression, irascibility manifested through violent acts or speech, disregard towards one's personal safety, disregards towards possible dangerous consequences, irresponsibility regarding her career life, severe lack of empathy, presenting hedonic behaviors as well, following her own urges and wishes at all costs. Her relationship with Moon Gang Tae is considered to be a pretty toxic one, she disregards many of his boundaries, deliberately makes him uncomfortable in many instances, does not care about his needs as much, she becomes anxiously attached to him, demanding for his attention at all times. On the other side, Moon Gang Tae is very cold towards her, rejecting any way of emotionally or physically approaching her, his personal walls being very tall. However I firmly believe they are very mature in their thinking and behaviorus, they are capable of learning and transforming, they are capable of healthiness, just like any other of us. Sure sometimes they might say or do silly stuff, or hurting words. Mistakes are all part of learning, progressing, as long as they are accepted and stored as lessons.

Overall a very beautiful drama, with ups and downs, it is a very hopeful drama especially for people struggling with mental health, that comes to show that no matter what dumps life has dragged you through, you will find your light to shine someday, it is possible to overcome your fears, it is possible to live a fulfilling life, it is possible to get out of the darkness, bitterness and suffocation. Yes, I admit that this drama is obviously dramatized and not all of us will heal through the power of love, healing is such a rocky adventure, sometimes it feels like you went back from where you started, other times it feels like you've progressed so much. Healing is not linear, and for sure it is not simple, but it can sure be a fun adventure! Sometimes it takes place next to another person struggling with their own heavy burdens. Don't forget guys, sharing your burdens will make it easier for you! Talking to someone else, getting the professional help you need, it all can help! It is never too late to start your healing journey, these guys were in their late 20's!! You can start healing at any age, you can work on yourself at any age! Stay hopeful, little butterflies.

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