Movies and TV shows that explore mental health
Mental health is a topic that affects us all, yet it remains largely stigmatised and misunderstood. Thankfully, in recent years, there’s been a growing awareness of the importance of mental health. And with it, a new wave of movies and TV shows that explore complex issues around mental health in an engaging and thought-provoking way.
In this blog post, we look at some of the best movies and TV shows about mental health that tackle mental issues with sensitivity and nuance.
Homeland
Homeland is a political thriller TV series that follows a CIA officer named Carrie Mathison, who has bipolar disorder. The show explores the challenges of managing a high-stress job. While also dealing with the symptoms of bipolar disorder, including manic episodes, depression, and paranoia.
What sets Homeland apart from other shows is its depiction of bipolar disorder as a manageable condition that does not define Carrie’s entire identity. The show also emphasizes the importance of medication, therapy, and support from loved ones in managing mental illness.
BoJack Horseman
BoJack Horseman is an animated TV series that follows the life of a horse named BoJack, a washed-up actor struggling with depression, addiction, and trauma. The show explores complex themes related to mental health. Including the challenges of therapy, the impact of childhood trauma, and the stigma surrounding mental illness.
The series doesn’t shy away from the dark and painful aspects of mental illness while still maintaining a sense of humour. It also features a diverse cast of characters, each with their own mental health struggles. This allows viewers to see the impact of mental illness on different people from different walks of life.
Crazy Ex-Girlfriend
This musical comedy-drama not only entertains but also educates. A successful lawyer moves across the country to pursue her ex-boyfriend while grappling with mental health struggles. The show uses music to provide an emotional and powerful insight into these complex topics.
Euphoria
Euphoria is a teen drama series that explores a wide range of mental health issues. Including addiction, trauma, depression, and anxiety. The show follows a group of high school students as they navigate their way through life, dealing with the challenges of adolescence in the modern world.
The show is praised for its unflinching portrayal of mental health issues, which does not shy away from the darker aspects of these conditions. It also highlights the importance of community support and seeking professional help in managing mental illness.
Black Mirror
If you’re a fan of sci-fi and technology, Black Mirror is an anthology series exploring technology’s dark side and impact on human behaviour. Many of the episodes deal with mental health issues like depression, anxiety, and addiction. Providing a thought-provoking examination of the intersection between mental health and technology.
Silver Linings Playbook
Silver Linings Playbook is a romantic comedy-drama that centers around a man named Pat Solitano, who has bipolar disorder. After spending eight months in a mental health institution, Pat moves back in with his parents and tries to get his life back on track. Along the way, he meets a woman named Tiffany, who also has her own struggles with mental health.
The movie portrays mental illness with a sense of realism, showcasing both the highs and lows of bipolar disorder. It also highlights the importance of family support and seeking professional help to manage the symptoms of mental illness. The movie was critically acclaimed, earning eight Oscar nominations and winning one for Best Actress in a Leading Role for Jennifer Lawrence’s portrayal of Tiffany.
Black Swan
Black Swan is a psychological thriller that tells the story of Nina. She is a ballerina who is cast as the lead in a production of Swan Lake. As Nina prepares for her role, she begins to experience delusions and hallucinations, which blur the lines between reality and fantasy.
The movie is a powerful exploration of mental illness, particularly obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and schizophrenia. It showcases the impact of mental illness on an individual’s perception of reality and highlights the importance of seeking professional help when experiencing symptoms of mental illness.
Inside Out
Inside Out is a Pixar movie that addresses mental health in a creative way. It follows the life of an 11-year-old girl and the emotions that reside inside her mind, providing a relatable and accessible way to understand mental health.
Girl, Interrupted
This powerful drama delves into the experiences of a young woman who is committed to a psychiatric hospital in the 1960s. It offers a thought-provoking look at mental health treatment and the stigma surrounding mental illness.
Good Will Hunting
A classic drama that explores themes of mental health and trauma. It follows the story of a troubled young man with a genius-level IQ who works as a janitor at MIT. He seeks the help of a therapist to confront his past and move forward.
13 Reasons Why
Although controversial, it’s an impactful TV series that addresses difficult topics such as suicide, sexual assault, and bullying. It offers an unflinching look at the struggles faced by teenagers and the importance of seeking help.
Speak
Speak is a powerful coming-of-age drama that explores the aftermath of a traumatic experience and its impact on a young woman’s mental health. It’s a poignant and insightful portrayal of mental health issues like PTSD.
One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest
A classic drama that examines the power dynamics within a psychiatric hospital in the 1960s. It offers a poignant and nuanced portrayal of mental illness and the effects of institutionalisation.
Mental health issues continue to be stigmatised and misunderstood, movies and TV shows have the power to break down barriers and promote understanding. By portraying mental illness with sensitivity and depth, these films and shows can help viewers better empathise with those who struggle with mental health challenges.
There are plenty of movies and TV shows out there. All of which tackle mental health storylines with care and compassion. For additional helpful material, on mental health, read this article.
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