Squid Game[1]--Mental Health Resources for Triggering Topics[edit | edit source]
Cosplay of Squid Game Guards at Sutera Cosplay Fest 2021.Recreation of "Dalgona Cookies" depicted in Squid Game
Squid Game (Hangul: 오징어 게임, Romanization: Ojing-eo Geim) is a South Korean television drama created by Hwang Dong-hyuk for Netflix. Named after a common but often violent South Korean children’s game, Squid Game portrays 456 contestants, all of varying backgrounds but all facing deep financial turmoil, desperately trying to win the significant sum of cash held in a tank above the room in which they sleep[1]. Early on, however, the contestants realize they have become involved not in a simple game, but rather in a battle for survival.
Quickly ascending to international fame, the show is popular for its high-stakes, action-packed plot, emotionally compelling moments, and complicated characters. However, the violence displayed and heavy topics covered are likely to leave many viewers rattled, and may even recall to mind personal traumas and negative emotions for some. Many potentially triggering topics, including but not limited to suicide, terminal illness, and physical violence, are portrayed in the drama. Unfortunately, the show does not follow up on the troubling topics shown with education regarding resources or support opportunities.
Passionate about promoting better, more accessible mental health support, our team, a subgroup of the group Helping Give Away Psychological Science (HGAPS) (), has worked to compile applicable resources to address the various triggering topics incorporated throughout the show. If you have viewed Squid Game or plan to view it in the future and feel affected by the themes included in the drama, please feel free to seek support and resources through the links compiled below.
Each episode block contains a list of a number of triggering topics displayed in the show. Please note that there may be many triggering topics that were not included on this page. Some themes recur throughout the series, and may therefore be listed in more than one episode. In such cases, the repeat-occurrences of a theme will not have content in the corresponding box, but instead the triggering topic itself will be linked so that you will be redirect to the information corresponding to the first instance.
We prefer sites that are not trying to sell a good or service, and that do not have other conflicts of interest. We have added tags so that you can see what type of resource it is without clicking on it.
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Description
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.gov links go to pages hosted by government agencies.
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.org links to pages that are usually nonprofit organizations.
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.net links to pages that use the .net Internet domain. These originally were mostly technology companies, but now this is a widely used alternative to .com for commercial companies.
.com links to pages built by groups with a commercial interest. Some of these are altruistic and well done. We had psychologists review these to see if the material seemed accurate, helpful, and balanced.
The resources are organized two different ways. Use whichever is more convenient. One is a sortable table, listing more than 30 different topics, and showing which themes occur in each episode. The link goes to the episode section containing helpful resources. It may take some scrolling -- some episodes packed in more than ten different major themes! You can sort the table by each column, simply by clicking the triangles in the column name. The table may be the easiest way to see the range of topics shown in the series, as well as exploring resources.
The second format has an episode-by-episode structure. If people want to unpack all the themes covered in one installment, they are grouped together here.
USAGov provides resources for those who face employment difficulties to reach out and apply for unemployment benefits, worker’s compensation, and welfare for families. This website on their page compiles a list of helpful links and webpages depending on the individual’s needs and what situation they may be facing.
Sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor, CareerOneStop is a website dedicated to compiling resources for careers, education, and professional development. This specific page on their website allows users to find unemployment resources based on what state they live in.
This article from the UK Mental Health Foundation outlines how debt and financial difficulty can have an impact on people psychologically, and how mental health difficulties contribute to financial problems. It also provides information on how to get help for these issues.
This page on the website of the Federal Trade Commission details ways of consolidating credit card debt and how to avoid predatory debt consolidation companies.
The link provided leads to a database which those who are undergoing financial hardship of many different forms can put in specific search criteria to find assistance specific to the state they live in as well as what they need financial assistance for (Loan Repayment, Tax Assistance, Living Assistance, Insurance, etc.)
Gambling Problems
National Problem Gambling Helpline Network (1-800-522-4700)
Gamblers Anonymous is a 12-step recovery program for people with gambling addiction.
Physical Violence
Note: Physical Violence is an act that can ultimately affect anyone of any race, gender, sexual orientation, religion. Squid Game episode one sets the precedent for a multitude of physically violent acts that will continue to take place throughout the series.
The National Center for Victims of Crime is a 35 year old nonprofit organization with a plan tailored to fit the needs of those who experience any type of physical violence and also for the families of those victims.
The National Center on Domestic Violence, Trauma & Mental Health provides training, support, and consultation to mental health professionals and policymakers in addition to resource education for the general population.
UNC Hospital’s Beacon Program lists many resources on their website to aid those affected by all types of abuse. The link attached proivdes specific resources for those affected by child abuse. The Beacon Program provides comprehensive, coordinated care to the UNC System’s patients, families, and employees experiencing a variety of interpersonal abuse.
Cancer Care provides resources and expectations for advanced cancer patients, setting expectations, giving advice, and suggesting ways to spend valuable time.
This article, by Cancer Research UK, is directed to someone who has lost a loved one and overviews the stages of grief, different types of grief, and coping skills. Containing many facts and helpful statistics, this article gives insight to all sides of the situation, setting expectations for the future.
This website, aimed toward someone who has lost a loved one, focuses on the distinction between anticipatory grief (before someone dies) versus conventional grief (afterwards), utilizing many of the same coping strategies in a more tailored way.
Domestic Abuse
911 Emergency Call
If you are facing an emergent situation regarding domestic abuse, please call 911; it's one of the fastest ways to get help in an emergency situation.
National Domestic Violence Hotline: Call 800-799-7233 or Text "START" to 88788
If you need immediate help and/or want to enquire specific information about domestic abuse, you can Call 800-799-7233 or Text "START" to 88788. There are professionals on domestic abuse to give you immediate help.
This chart, provided by Commission on Domestic and Sexual Violence, entails state-by-state information about definition of domestic violence as well as legal rights for domestic violence victims.
This website lists immediate and additional helping resources for physical abuse victims. There are also resources for teenagers and underrepresented groups.
Gun Violence
Note: Gun violence can be emotionally taxing to not just those directly affected by loss, but by even community members and those from afar. Squid Game has a multitude of depictions of gun violence throughout the show, starting from episode 1.
The Everytown Support Fund offers basic resources and information on their website to help victims and survivors of gun violence. Please note that the resources listed are not comprehensive and there may be other resources available to you in your community.
This resource specifically provides aids for veterans dealing with PTSD, but also provides great resources for all individuals who face PTSD. This page specifically provides resources on what to expect when faced with mass violence and a virtual PTSD coach.
The American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress (AAETS) is made up of a committee of professionals who are dedicated to informing the public and providing resources about how to cope with trauma. In collaboration with the National Center for Crisis Management, this page provides detailed information on what to do during and after a traumatic event, including healthy ways to cope with traumatic stress.
The website gathers cumulative information about child trauma (definition, signs, risk factors etc.). It is updated to the latest events, including documents ‘Talking to Children About War’.
Note: Financial Distress is a dilemma that both companies and individuals might confront. It is the core cause of ‘Squid Game’ and one of the motives that drive participants to perform violence, return the game, and struggle to win.
For anyone who needs financial managing resources.
Click ‘LIFE EVENTS’ to find appropriate resources targeting specific issues. Click ‘TOOLS’ to access multiple calculators, budgeting worksheets, and checklists.
Mymoney is a US government website consisting of cumulative finance-related resources that provide various aids to all groups of all ages.
HealthCare.Gov provides information on types of federal and state health insurance programs and helps a person see which program would work best for them. Also provides access to local resources so the person can seek assistance closer to them.
This is a great resource that could help homeless or displaced individuals get health care coverage as it connects them to local services and helps provide them with potential coverage options.
For those who necessarily do not have the means to pay for health insurance, this resource can help people get the healthcare that they need without having to pay the extra costs that come with not having insurance. K health is essentially virtual urgent care, where you use an app that connects with a healthcare provider without the additional cost.
Medicare is a federally sanctioned health insurance program that offers coverage for prescription medication, hospital visits, doctor’s visits, etc. It is for people who are 65 years or older and for those who are younger than 65 who have health conditions or disabilities.
"MeMedicare beneficiaries can qualify for Extra Help paying for their monthly premiums, annual deductibles, and co-payments related to Medicare prescription drug coverage.
We estimate the Extra Help is worth about $5,100 per year. To qualify for Extra Help, you must be receiving Medicare and have limited resources and income.”
Apply online, over the phone: 1-800-772-1213, request a paper application, or apply at your local Social Security Office.
Health Well is an organization that provides financial assistance by assisting with copays, premiums, deductibles and out-of-pocket expenses when health insurance is not enough.
PAN Foundation helps underinsured individuals with diseases with out-of-pocket costs, allowing them to get the medications and treatments they need and advocating for improved access and affordability.
The National Association of Free & Charitable Clinics (NAFCC) focuses on connecting economically disadvantaged individuals to free and charitable clinics. NAFCC has a goal in mind of making healthcare more accessible to individuals based on location.
This is a homes sharing program designed to help single mothers connect and find a home to share together. This decreases the chance of housing instability and helps support single mothers in raising their children.
This resource offers housing assistance to those in rural communities. They also help improve housing and essential community facilities through the offering of loans and grants.
This is a program where people with housing instability can apply to live in a home of another homeowner’s construction. For example a person will buy a home or construct a home for another person to live in. This is called sweat equity.
This provides information on housing instability along with a place where someone can apply for housing assistance. This resource specifically allows people to apply for an emergency housing voucher.
This website allows people to find rental assistance in their area to help with housing costs.
Foster Care/Orphanage
Foster Parent Advice Line: +1 800-829-3777
Call the hotline to get advice with issues such as navigating the foster care system, probate court and legal guardianship, understanding child development.
This website provides information about requirements, guidelines and assistance hotline for older siblings/relatives who wish to foster or adopt younger siblings or relatives.
This program provides foster families with opportunities for advocacy, networking, and education. Resources include adoption information, foster parents training and education, etc.
The Recovery Village is a website focused on providing resources for a wide variety of mental health concerns, including separation anxiety. This particular article on their website lists ways to help a friend who is facing separation anxiety as well as methods to cope with it.
This site provides support for parents after a separation or divorce, including how to help children in various age groups facing the same conflicts. This resource provides support for single parents, children living in two separate homes, teenagers, and conflict management between parents.
Click the link to the directory that provides access to state-specific divorce laws and guidelines, along with divorce lawyers in the surrounding area.
"The Man with the Umbrella" (Usan-eul Sseun Namja 우산을 쓴 남자)[1]
Physical Violence
Note: Physical Violence is an act that can ultimately affect anyone of any race, gender, sexual orientation, religion. Squid Game episode one sets the precedent for a multitude of physically violent acts that will continue to take place throughout the series.
Gun Violence
Note: Gun violence can be emotionally taxing to not just those directly affected by loss, but by even community members and those from afar. Squid Game has a multitude of depictions of gun violence throughout the show, starting from episode 1.
The Everytown Support Fund offers basic resources and information on their website to help victims and survivors of gun violence. Please note that the resources listed are not comprehensive and there may be other resources available to you in your community.
The American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress (AAETS) is made up of a committee of professionals who are dedicated to informing the public and providing resources about how to cope with trauma. In collaboration with the National Center for Crisis Management, this page provides detailed information on what to do during and after a traumatic event, including healthy ways to cope with traumatic stress.
The website gathers cumulative information about child trauma (definition, signs, risk factors etc.). It is updated to the latest events, including documents ‘Talking to Children About War’.
This webpage developed by Student Training & Education in Public Service (STEPS) provides a large overview defining food insecurity and the problems it leads to. STEPS compiles several resources to combat food insecurity as well as ways to apply for various programs.
“The Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) provides federal grants to states for supplemental foods, health care referrals, and nutrition education for low-income pregnant, breastfeeding, and non-breastfeeding postpartum women, and to infants and children up to age 5 who are found to be at nutritional risk.”
Instant Help Number: 1-800-373-7888 or Text: 233733
An organization for those who have been a survivor of human trafficking to seek out support or a way to alert authorities of a potential trafficking situation.
It is also a useful source if you want to learn more about the signs of trafficking and the story of the victims.
Background on organ trafficking in the global context. Links to United Nations Trust Fund webpage provides the latest news on organ trafficking and fundraising events.
This article from the US Department of Veterans Affairs details information about survivors’ reactions to disasters and mass violence events, and it distinguishes the pathology of PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) from an expected reaction to such traumas.
This article from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration describes common reactions to incidents of mass violence and how to get help for those experiencing distress due to these events.
In-depth facts about race/color discrimination in the workforce, gives informations about Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (Act which protects people from being discriminated because of gender, religion, sexuality, race, or color of their skin) and includes examples of how Title VII can protect people from being discriminated in workplace settings.
This resource talks about migrant worker discrimination in the US and provides information on how to get involved in helping migrant worker populations.
Relational Abuse
National Dating Abuse Helpline: 1-866-331-9474
If you need immediate help and/or want to enquire specific information about relational abuse, you can call this hotline. There are professionals on relational abuse to help you immediately.
This provides information on definitions/signs of abusive relationships, tips for getting out of an abusive relationship, and how to deal with the mental and emotional struggles.
A national non-profit membership organization dedicated to help workers and their families who suffer the consequences of work-related injuries or occupational illnesses and who need expert legal assistance to obtain medical care and other relief under workers’ compensation programs.
Visit website or call 1-800-321-6742 about health and safety issues at work. The website provides good information on worker’s rights such as how to file a claim and get compensated in the event of a work-related injury.
Direct and intensive guide to workplace injury, such as benefits and compensation that a worker could receive for work-related injuries. This resource also lists out recent statistics on workplace injuries since the onset of the pandemic.
You can take this quick online test to identify if you experience common signs of PTSD. However, this test should not be considered diagnostic, speaking with a professional is encouraged.
The page NLRA and the Right to Strike outlines when it is and is not illegal for workers to strike, with a translation of the page available in Spanish. This is the official site for the National Labor Relations Board, a group consisting of professionals that provide information about the laws and regulations surrounding labor in the United States.
An organization that provides resources for joining or establishing a labor union. It provides information on strikes across the country and how to become involved in them.
This hotline connects callers with a local sexual assault service provider based on their phone number’s area code. Callers also have the option of manually entering their zip code. The service is confidential and allows callers to file reports and find support.
This website offers an easy-to-navigate directory of resources for victims of sexual violence, providing support organizations that can be filtered by organization type or location.
Incontinence
Note: Incontinence is a symptom of advanced Alzheimer’s.
A therapy site provides information about the definition, categories, and symptoms of acculturation. You can also schedule a teletherapy for acculturation in the website
Anxiety Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357) (in English and Spanish)
SAMHSA’s National Helpline for anxiety, substance use, and other mental health disorders is a 24/7 confidential resource for individuals facing anxiety and fear. SAMHSA provides callers with access to treatment, support groups, and local organizations for easy-access.
Note: The helpline does not provide counseling, it is mainly an information center that can transfer people to appropriate state or local services.
The nation’s largest anti-sexual violence organization.
The organization works with local sexual assault service providers and carries out programs to prevent sexual violence, help victims, and ensure that perpetrators are brought to justice.
The NSVRC’s Mission is to provide leadership in preventing and responding to sexual violence through collaboration, sharing and creating resources, and promoting research.
An article by End the Backlog that discusses the Rapekit backlog in addition to providing education on what rapekits are, how to report a rape, and to get involved in the organization.
Note: Physical Violence is an act that can ultimately affect anyone of any race, gender, sexual orientation, religion. Squid Game episode one sets the precedent for a multitude of physically violent acts that will continue to take place throughout the series.
Gun Violence
Note: Gun violence can be emotionally taxing to not just those directly affected by loss, but by even community members and those from afar. Squid Game has a multitude of depictions of gun violence throughout the show, starting from episode 1.
The Everytown Support Fund offers basic resources and information on their website to help victims and survivors of gun violence. Please note that the resources listed are not comprehensive and there may be other resources available to you in your community.
The American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress (AAETS) is made up of a committee of professionals who are dedicated to informing the public and providing resources about how to cope with trauma. In collaboration with the National Center for Crisis Management, this page provides detailed information on what to do during and after a traumatic event, including healthy ways to cope with traumatic stress.
The website gathers cumulative information about child trauma (definition, signs, risk factors etc.). It is updated to the latest events, including documents ‘Talking to Children About War’.
This is a nonprofit organization whose goal is to raise awareness for children and adolescents who are grieving the death of a loved one while also informing a wider audience about these issues and providing resources to help them.
This organization utilizes a humanistic approach to understand and support children who are grieving a loved one.
This specific page on their website provides several worksheets with engaging activities for kids to organize their thoughts and emotions towards grief.
A national network of local crisis centers; they provide 24/7 and free online support and handle all situations related to suicide and emotional distress.
A nationwide mental health organization with affiliates narrowed down to towns. They provide mental health education programs and a help line; useful for people seeking mental health resources.
Homelessness/Destitution
2-1-1 hotline (Call 2-1-1)
Many states across the US have hotlines for individuals to call 2-1-1 if they are homeless or about to become homeless.
Trained staff will help callers find shelter and other resources.
This website provides phone numbers and other resources for people to access shelter/housing services, health care, and food if they are experiencing or at risk of experiencing homelessness.
HUD Exchange is a website run by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development that provides information and access to housing, food, health and safety resources, and job training for people experiencing or at risk for homelessness.
If you are struggling with your mental health, please do not hesitate to seek help. Below are some resources to help you find professional mental health support.
Helping Give Away Psychological Science (HGAPS.org)() has made free online assessments you can use to check your anxiety, mood, or other concerns and get a free, confidential report and suggestions about where to do for more information or support. These combine some of the best of the free tools to let you check about some of the most common issues with one click. There are versions for teens, college students, and older adults here.
There are many different places to look for support. Below we provide some tips about places to look for a therapist, such as a psychologist, counselor, or other mental-health professional. We focus on ones that are from large organizations (increasing the chances that you may find someone near you, or who better matches what you hope to find in a provider), as well as not charging you to search them. It has become more possible and more common to do therapy by video ("teletherapy"). The rules about teletherapy are changing rapidly. If you want to read more about options with teletherapy, a detailed guide is here.
This service provided by the American Psychological Association (APA) allows you to search for Psychologists in your area. You can also search for a Psychologist by their name or the name of their practice. Your search may yield:
-the names of local Psychologists
-whether or not they accept insurance as well as which types
-whether or not they are currently accepting new patients
By typing in your zip code, you can search for psychiatrists in your area using Psychiatrist Finder. The search results will provide a list of psychiatrists and their phone number or website to contact.
This ABCT Find-a-Therapist service gives you access to cognitive and behavioral therapists based on your zip code and selected filters.
The goal of cognitive behavioral therapy is to recognize and change unhealthy patterns in thinking and behavior so develop personal strategies to deal with mental health difficulties.
When seeking mental health support, you may be overwhelmed by the numerous types of mental health professionals you can seek help from. Below are summaries of the primary types of professionals that may be offering mental health services in your area. Please note that availability, finances, or other factors may impact which professionals you can receive support from.
Title
Description
Clinical Social Worker
Focus on the assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental illnesses and emotional distress
Licensed or certified at the clinical level in the state of practice
Work in areas like private practices, hospitals, community mental health, primary care, and agencies
Advocate for client rights and strong therapeutic connection between client and practitioner
Mental Health Counselor
Assesses and treats mental and emotional health disorders, relationship issues, and life difficulties
Provide support and guidance and offer coping strategies for the patient
License: Must have earned a LMHC (Licensed Mental Health Counselor), LMSW (Licensed Master Social Worker), or LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor)
Psychologist (Clinical or Counseling)
Assess and treat mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders through observation, interviews, and psychological tests
License: Must have received a doctoral degree in psychology; requirements vary by state of practice
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Specially trained nurses that work in the mental health field
Assess and diagnoses patients, study their medical history, and perform comprehensive mental health tests
License: Must pass the PMHNP (Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner) board certification exam to obtain the PMHNP license
Psychiatrist
Medical doctors who specializes in mental health
Assess, diagnose, and treat mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders
License: Must be board-certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN). Must be licensed as an MD (Doctor of Medicine) or OD (Optometrist) by the state in which they practice
), has worked to compile applicable resources to address the various triggering topics incorporated throughout the show. If you have viewed Squid Game or plan to view it in the future and feel affected by the themes included in the drama, please feel free to seek support and resources through the links compiled below.
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