ugghhh it's so painfully obvious that some people who watch shameless don't even have a basic understanding of how mental illnesses work. it doesn't matter if you have an amazing support system, that doesn't mean you're 'cured' or that your symptoms will go away. also i hope people understand that even though mickey had the best intentions with ian in season 5 he didn't handle the situation in the best way and was a little misguided... (no hate to mickey i just don't see people acknowledging it)
yes, i think you’re right. like mickey was just a kid thrown into a situation that was much bigger than him, and so much bigger than their relationship. there were missteps by everybody along the way. but yeah, there is a tendency to find something romantic in ian’s illness and it grosses! me! out! mickey’s support for ian is so beautiful and admirable, and it makes for some incredibly powerful moments, but the work is so much more than that. i just really hate the idea that mickey is this miraculously stabilizing force - that ian never would have gone off his meds or had a severe episode in s8 had he been there. that’s? not how it works?? like yeah, gay jesus probably would not have happened but episodes are going to slip through, even with the love of your life by your side.Â
i think mickey is a motivating factor for him - he doesn’t make ian stable, but i think he helps ian want to stay stable. to put in the work and to keep himself as healthy as possible for their future together. and i think that now, they are much more able to handle that as a team.Â