In 2017, when thousands of women were preparing to march in Washington after Donald Trump became president, I, a Canadian college student, believed I could remain unaffected by the chaos. Little did I know that no one would be exempt from witnessing this historic moment. To make matters worse, the death of Mary Tyler Moore added to the weight of the year.
While I can’t recall the exact moment I first saw “The Mary Tyler Moore Show,” I do remember how it made me feel. Watching shows like “All in the Family,” “Maude,” and “The Jeffersons” became a subconsciously rebellious act for me, a budding queer individual, as I longed to stand out from the crowd. However, as I grew older, I realized that trying to relive my childhood as an “old soul” took a toll on my mental health.
By January 2017, like many college students, I was grappling with the uncertainty of my future. I knew I wanted to be a writer, but beyond that, I was lost. While others reassured me that not having it all figured out was okay, the voices in my head grew louder, preparing me for the day when I would be on my own.
During my post-secondary years, I was in a constant state of emotional vulnerability. So when the opportunity arose to indulge in a “Mary Tyler Moore” marathon on Comedy Gold, I eagerly embraced it. Watching old episodes of the show felt like the warmest hug, providing much-needed comfort.
“The Mary Tyler Moore Show” theme song alone had the power to ease my inner anxieties. Throughout its seven seasons, the show always portrayed a single woman, Mary Richards, navigating life alone but finding fulfillment and happiness. This message was revolutionary during its original run in the 1970s, and it still resonates today. The show beautifully captured the challenges of adulthood while teaching that mistakes don’t define us but are merely part of the journey.
As an only child and a queer person raised in suburbia, I knew what it felt like to be alone. I had grown comfortable with solitude and used classic sitcoms as a way to carve out something that was uniquely mine. These shows also connected me to the adults around me who had experienced them firsthand, allowing me to daydream about a different time.
As I grew older, “The Mary Tyler Moore Show” became a haven where I could momentarily escape the pressures of adulthood. It showed me that being on my own didn’t mean failure, but rather independence. It emphasized the importance of genuine connections with friends who could become family, and it taught me that a job didn’t need to consume my every waking thought. Above all, it reminded me that no matter what challenges life threw my way, I had the strength to overcome them.
However, relying solely on a television show couldn’t solve my anxiety disorder. I learned this the hard way when a breakdown led me to seek professional help. While “Mary Tyler Moore” provided solace during difficult times, I now understand the importance of seeking legitimate treatment.
Rewatching the show in the weeks leading up to my breakdown served as a reminder of the burden I was carrying. However, it also showed me that I had the courage to seek help and find support systems to guide me. Today, success is no longer my primary concern; I focus on making every day meaningful and cherishing simple moments.
In conclusion, the timeless appeal of “The Mary Tyler Moore Show” goes beyond its entertainment value. It served as a guide, reassuring me that I could navigate adulthood on my own terms. While a television show can inspire and heal, it can’t replace professional help in managing mental health. Mary Richards paved the way for my own journey to self-acceptance, and for that, I am grateful.
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