Looking after ourselves
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14-08-2020 05:31 PM
14-08-2020 05:31 PM
Helpful representations of mental illness (film/TV/books etc.)
Hi everyone,
I'm pretty new to this community but I have an idea for a thread that might be helpful for some of us. I thought we could post about representations of mental illness in film, TV, books etc. that we have found comfort and truth in. The idea for this post came while responding to a post that was partly discussing the stigma around illnesses such as bipolar, schizophrenia and also around suicidal ideation. So any examples of positive representations of these illnesses (especially from those who live with them) would be very welcome. I am highlighting these illnesses as there is perhaps a bit more misunderstanding around them and I think being able to point to good, accurate representations can be a helpful tool for education. But posts relating to any illness or aspect of mental health are welcome too! I'm interested to hear what good representations you've found.
I'll start with something I saw recently. An episode of the series Modern Love featuring Anne Hathaway as a woman with bipolar disorder. I personally found it helpful (I have bipolar I) although I couldn't relate to aspects of it such as being unable to move in a depressive phase. But the idea of acting like a totally different person when manic was relatable. It was the right amount of lighthearted while not shying away from some of the difficulties of living with the disorder.
Over to you! 🙂
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14-08-2020 06:47 PM
14-08-2020 06:47 PM
Re: Helpful representations of mental illness (film/TV/books etc.)
Bleepbloophello
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14-08-2020 07:02 PM
14-08-2020 07:02 PM
Re: Helpful representations of mental illness (film/TV/books etc.)
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14-08-2020 07:06 PM
14-08-2020 07:06 PM
Re: Helpful representations of mental illness (film/TV/books etc.)
@bleepbloophello ok am being bit lighthearted maybe.
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14-08-2020 08:41 PM
14-08-2020 08:41 PM
Re: Helpful representations of mental illness (film/TV/books etc.)
Winnie the pooh
eeyore is chronically depressed
tigger has ADHD
i know the others have different diagnoses
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14-08-2020 09:17 PM
14-08-2020 09:17 PM
Re: Helpful representations of mental illness (film/TV/books etc.)
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15-08-2020 12:23 PM
15-08-2020 12:23 PM
Re: Helpful representations of mental illness (film/TV/books etc.)
I thought there was a lot of merit in Silver Linings Playbook.
One perspective here romcoms-silver-lining-is-its-portrayal-of-mental-illness There are some really nuanced articles from psychologists and psychiatrists about the film, including the aspects that made it so successful and award winning, but perhaps less accurate (read: all you need is love). There were scenes that I found hilarious and liberating in their honesty, and there are lots of interesting relationships beyond the obvious romcom couple.
The book is much richer, grittier, and realistic. It was both confronting and cathartic for me. It addresses Pat's depressive episodes (the film doesn't imo) and is hopeful without promising a 'happily ever after'.
I've heard that Homeland has an interesting bipolar character, Carrie, but I haven't seen it. A friend, also with Bipolar 1, said it resonated deeply. It has been lauded as ground breaking and I'd love to hear more perspectives on it. It looks very intense for other reasons and I'm not sure I'm up for it.
how-homeland-became-pioneer-portrayal-mental-illness
@LostandaloneWinnie the Poo is wonderful for so many reasons!
I like this article ten-things-winnie-pooh-taught-me-about-life
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15-08-2020 09:23 PM
15-08-2020 09:23 PM
Re: Helpful representations of mental illness (film/TV/books etc.)
I saw Silver Linings ages ago but the article makes it sound like a very thoughtful portrayal. I too have kept away from Homeland because it looks so intense!
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17-08-2020 02:17 PM
17-08-2020 02:17 PM
Re: Helpful representations of mental illness (film/TV/books etc.)
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18-08-2020 09:33 PM
18-08-2020 09:33 PM
Re: Helpful representations of mental illness (film/TV/books etc.)
Future thread-contributers - If any film/book etc. has resonated with you about your illness or mental health struggles then feel free to share! The original post is just a starting point.