The two series have the main character Nora in common. In "Gaslight" she was stuck in a destructive relationship, which she had difficulty getting out of. In "Tystnaden" Nora has moved to northern Sweden and met Linus (Otto Fahlgren), who one day disappears.
Nora and Linus have found each other, but realized that they can never be a couple.
They try, but they come to the conclusion that they are too broken to be able to be with each other. And that's what's so sad, says Julia Heveus.
Mental illness
While Nora and her friends are looking for Linus, the story unfolds. He has been feeling mentally unwell for a long time after his brother's death, but has not been able to talk about it. Nora, in turn, is still traumatized after what happened in "Gaslight".
"Gaslight" was praised by critics and Julia Heveus says that she is stopped on the street by people who want to tell how they got out of toxic relationships thanks to the series.
It's fantastic and I've heard that it's also used by therapists at eating disorder clinics, she says.
Screenwriter and director Therese Lundberg was also behind "Gaslight" and sees "Tystnaden" as an important story to tell. She lost a close friend six years ago due to mental illness.
I felt that I had to do something about it, because so many people are feeling so bad and we need to start talking about it. Because it shouldn't be that people are walking around in silence and feeling so bad.
Masculinity norm
Linus is surrounded by many friends and acquaintances, who fish, party and socialize in the sauna. But he has no one to talk to about his feelings, even though he really needs to.
It's the masculinity norm, that you should clench your fist and hold on. It has always existed and is still a problem today. Statistics show that seven out of ten who commit suicide are men, says Julia Heveus.
Why is that?
It's very hard to take the step and dare to talk about what's very dark. You're afraid of not being taken seriously or of feeling annoying. Or in the way or that you're a problem.
Therese Lundberg hopes that the series will reach young guys and make a difference.
That's what I hope, that you'll dare to talk more about your well-being without feeling ashamed of it, she says.
"Tystnaden" premieres on SVT on October 19.
Mikael Forsell/TT
Facts: Here you can turn if you're feeling unwell
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In acute situations or when thinking about suicide, always call 112.
The on-call fellow human being can be reached at night on 08-702 16 80.
The on-call priest is available at night. Call 112 and ask to speak to the on-call priest.
Poison Information Center, 010-45 66 700, 24 hours a day.
Suicide Line, available via chat and phone 90 101, 24 hours a day, every day.
Parent Line, 020-85 20 00. Open weekdays 10 am-3 pm and Thursday evenings 7 pm-9 pm.
Bris: Call, email or chat. Phone: 116 111.
Source: mind.se
