3 Films Surrounding Mental Health You Must Watch

Hey guys! Today’s post is dedicated to films I wouldn’t say like but tend to watch when I am depressed or emotionally low. I think if you are going through depression, anxiety, etc you should check these out. From what I have watched and researched, many films tend to not properly present mental health issues in the best light where those who are going through them experiences or in the past have can relate to.

I have suffered from depression since I was 16 years old and developed social anxiety when entering university in 2017. Therefore, these are 3 films that had helped or comforted me at my lowest position. They’ve made me smile, cry, breakdown and completely reset.

To Write Love on Her Arms

From starting out as an American non -profit organization, with the goal to give hope to young people who struggle with addiction, suicidal thoughts, depression, and other mental illness. The idea for the TWLOHA organization came from a true story about a 19-year-old girl called Renee Yohee, who had been battling depression and other mental illnesses. The story of Renee was then turned into a film.

This film has played an important role in my life and the existence of the organization since 2015. It truly is a hidden gem that people should look into more. It is full of harsh, heart pulling moments filtered with small happy moments to keep you holding onto a thread. They don’t try to hide the brutal honesty of the struggles people go through when tacking mental health. All depicted through amazing cinematography and tear-jerking soundtrack

8/10

Call Me Crazy: A Five Film

This film features five short films about different psychiatric disorders; schizophrenia, depression, bipolar disorder and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Three of the five movies are interwoven, with character(s) from one of the other films reappearing, which provides increased perspectives regarding the world of mental illness.

Overall, it is a very hopeful representation on mental illnesses from different perspectives. Furthermore, it also shows that we should try to understand mental illness as a society instead of shunning and discriminating those with them. The main message of one of the perspectives was with recovery there is always a ray of hope.

6/10

Silver Lining’s Playbook

The Final film is Silver Linings Playbook starring Jennifer Lawrence, Bradley Cooper and Robert De Niro. The film focuses around the quirky romance of Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence as they explore the highs and lows of mental illness and medications.

Personally, the first time I watched it I found it hard to understand the main messages of the film. Perhaps at the time I watched it I was too young to fully comprehend what it was trying to portray. One of the highlights of this film is when Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence argue with each other in what is described as a mentally unstable, defensive, semi coherent way. As they both struggle to each give their strong opinions despite their trouble of communicating. What is important when you date someone with mental illnesses is to always remember that communication is the key, not giving up and fighting for one another. It opened my eyes during my 2nd year of university, if I want to my relationship to thrive, I need to take small steps to communicate my opinions, what is on my mind and when I have breakdowns, even if it resolves in arguments. If you’re also a loser for romance like I am I do recommend you check this out.

If you enjoyed reading this, I am very glad because these films are very important to me. Also, if you have any recommendations for films with themes about mental health, Please share with me.