We live in a world of online entertainment- everything we want to watch is now available online. OTT platforms such as Netflix, Amazon Prime, Hotstar, Apple TV and more have a huge variety of content that people consume at an alarming rate almost daily. But, this penetration of content into every household is also a good thing as it allows people to become more aware about a lot of important topics and one such topic is Mental Health. Mental health awareness has taken the centre stage in many discussions today and there is a need to spread more awareness about it. Documentaries on mental health are particularly helpful in disseminating information about mental health and allowing people to learn more about the various disorders. Here are a few documentaries that have portrayed the issue of mental health in a very informative way and should be watched by all.
- Robin Williams: Come Inside My Mind “O Captain, my Captain!”- the iconic dialogue that is associated with one of the best performances of Robin Williams is hands down the most revered scene of any movies so far. But, watching this scene now is a bitter reminder of the struggles the actor faced- all alone. The depression and addiction were battles he fought in his own way- never letting it show. The documentary takes us through his journey, his mind and how in the end he lost it all because he just couldn’t take it anymore. The documentary is an example that anyone can be a victim of mental health problem and we need to start talking about it before it is too late.
- Any Given Day : Mental health in itself is a challenge, but to combat that while you are just released from prison and working hard to get your life back to normal is not easy. This documentary by filmmaker Margaret Byrne has a personal touch that tries to understand the challenges of three released prisoners. The documentary is real, raw and a reminder that our society needs to focus on after-care and mental health wellness after incarceration.
- Nadiya: Anxiety And Me Nadiya Hussain, the Winner of The Great British Bake Off takes us on her journey as she battles anxiety. In the short documentary she talks about how she deals with her anxiety. The candid discussion with her therapist where they try to understand the kind of anxiety she has and how she can take control when she has an anxiety attack is particularly interesting and illuminating. The message the documentary leaves us with is how something like anxiety is not always curable, however, to learn to live with it and manage it well is a true and much needed skill.
- Boy Interrupted : This 2009 documentary by Perry Films is based on the life of Evan Perry who was diagnosed with bipolar depression at an early age. The documentary is remarkable, albeit a little disturbing documentary as it explores the reality of the healthcare system. An honest account of a family and their struggles to deal with the mental health issues of their child, with little support from the professionals (at first) is thought provoking and painful. As the documentary draws to a close there is a sense of urgency to do something for the Evan’s of the world, because a failed system, lack of support or the inability to save a life is troubling and needs utmost attention.
- Out of Mind, Out Of Sight :The documentary by John Kastner explores the life of patients in the Brockville Mental Health Centre. It studies patients who have been involved in violent crimes and their struggle to find a balance in life while they live with a mental disorder. The documentary does a deep-dive into understanding the issues they face, while looking at their efforts to lead a life that can probably be termed as ‘normal’. The relation between crime and mental health have still not taken the center stage which is sad considering that both have a role to play in the causation of the other. In a society where we are weary of both crime and mental health it is expected that conversations that relate to both will not be entertained. But the documentary pushes these ideas forward and depicts how the resolution of mental health issues is possible. This is a win for the patients as well as the professionals in showing that all you need is a little push and the correct treatment.
On that note, it is important that you find the correct treatment that looks at your mental health in a unique way and treats it accordingly. At NABHS, the idea is to understand your needs first and only then look at treatment options. If you feel that you could just use a call to understand your needs better, give us a call and let us embark on this journey together.
