Real Talk

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,

Mental health has become a critical issue in the modern world, as the demands and pressures of daily life continue to take a toll on our well-being. From depression and anxiety to trauma and bipolar disorder, mental health challenges can be overwhelming and isolating. Fortunately, there are many resources available to help us better understand and cope with these challenges, including books that offer valuable insights and advice.  In this blog post, we explore some of the best mental health books worth reading.   “The Noonday Demon: An Atlas of Depression” by Andrew Solomon This comprehensive book provides a powerful exploration of depression, including its causes, symptoms, and treatment options. Solomon draws on his own experience with depression, as well as interviews with people from around the world, to offer a deep and insightful look into this complex illness. “An Unquiet Mind: A Memoir of Moods and Madness” by Kay Redfield Jamison In this compelling memoir, Kay Redfield Jamison, a renowned psychiatrist, shares her own struggles with bipolar disorder. She offers an honest and moving account of her experiences, while also providing valuable information about the diagnosis and treatment of this condition. “The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma” by Bessel van der Kolk This groundbreaking book explores the ways in which trauma affects the mind and body. It offers a range of evidence-based techniques for healing. Drawing on decades of research and clinical experience, van der Kolk provides a powerful and practical guide for anyone struggling with the aftermath of trauma. “Lost Connections: Uncovering the Real Causes of Depression – and the Unexpected Solutions” by Johann Hari In this thought-provoking book, journalist Johann Hari challenges the conventional wisdom about depression and its causes. Drawing on extensive research and interviews with experts, Hari argues that social and environmental factors play a much larger role in depression than we often realize. He offers a range of unconventional solutions, including social prescribing and community-based interventions, that could help to address this growing problem. “Reasons to Stay Alive” by Matt Haig In this moving memoir, Matt Haig shares his own journey through depression and anxiety, and offers hope and inspiration for anyone struggling with these conditions. Haig’s writing is both personal and relatable, and his insights are both profound and practical. “The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment” by Eckhart Tolle While not specifically about mental health, this bestselling book offers powerful insights into the nature of the mind and the ways in which our thoughts and beliefs can affect our well-being. Tolle’s message is simple but profound: by living in the present moment, we can overcome our fears and anxieties, and experience a deeper sense of peace and contentment. “Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead” by Brené Brown In this transformative book, Brené Brown challenges the notion that vulnerability is a weakness, and offers a compelling argument for why it is actually a source of strength. Drawing on her own research and personal experience, Brown shows how embracing vulnerability can help us to connect more deeply with others, and to live more fulfilling and authentic lives. “Feeling Good: The New Mood Therapy” by David D. Burns This classic book offers a range of practical techniques for overcoming depression and anxiety, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and other evidence-based approaches. Burns’s writing is clear and accessible, and his exercises are both helpful and easy to follow. “Man’s Search for Meaning” by Viktor E. Frankl This powerful memoir offers a unique perspective on the nature of suffering and the human spirit. Frankl, a Holocaust survivor, and renowned psychiatrist share his personal experiences in a concentration camp. He illustrates the power of the human will to survive and find meaning in the most difficult of circumstances. Frankl’s insights into the human condition have resonated with millions of readers around the world, and his message of hope and resilience remains as relevant today as it was when the book was first published.  For anyone seeking to find meaning in their own life, “Man’s Search for Meaning” offers a powerful and inspiring reminder of the strength and resilience of the human spirit, even in the face of unimaginable suffering. Reading books about mental health can be a powerful tool for gaining insight, finding comfort, and learning new strategies for coping with the challenges of life. Whether you’re struggling with depression, anxiety, trauma, or any other mental health issue, there are resources available to help you on your journey.  The books we’ve discussed in this post are just a few examples of the many valuable resources available, and we encourage you to explore them and find the ones that resonate with you. By taking an active role in your mental health, you can take control of your life and find the peace and happiness you deserve. Healing: 5 Books Worth Reading Beach House Chiropractic Worthing Nadine van Rensburg Counsellor Roodepoort Movies And Shows About Mental Health Christine Boyd Psychotherapists Reading

Advice for my younger self: Lessons from life experience Life is a journey that’s full of twists and turns, and as I look back on my life, I often reflect on the things I wish I knew when I was younger. It’s natural to feel nostalgic and wonder what might have been if I’d known then what I know now. Perhaps I would have made different choices or taken a different path. But even though I can’t go back in time, I can still learn from my experiences and use them to guide my future self. Here are a few things I wish I told my younger self. Don’t worry so much about what other people think When we’re younger, it’s easy to get caught up in what other people think of us. But as we get older, we realise that what really matters is how we feel about ourselves. Don’t let the opinions of others hold you back from pursuing your dreams. Take care of your body and mind Your health is your most valuable asset, and taking care of your body and mind is essential for a happy and fulfilling life. Eat well, exercise regularly, and take time to rest and recharge. Don’t be afraid to take risks Life is full of opportunities, and taking risks can lead to some of the most rewarding experiences. Don’t let fear hold you back from trying new things and stepping outside of your comfort zone. Failure is not the end of the world Failure is a natural part of life, and it’s okay to make mistakes. In fact, failure can be a valuable learning experience that helps us grow and improve. Surround yourself with positive people The people we surround ourselves with can have a big impact on our lives. Seek out positive, supportive people who encourage and inspire you. Follow your passions Life is too short to spend it doing something you don’t love. Follow your passions and pursue the things that make you happy and fulfilled. Time is precious Time is our most valuable resource, and it’s important to use it wisely. Make time for the people and things that matter most to you, and don’t waste time on things that don’t bring you joy or fulfillment. Don’t compare yourself to others Comparing yourself to others is a recipe for unhappiness. Everyone has their own path and journey, and it’s important to focus on your own progress and growth. Learn to forgive yourself and others Holding onto grudges and resentments only hurts you in the long run. Learn to forgive yourself and others for mistakes and move forward with a positive outlook. Invest in relationships that matter Relationships are one of the most important parts of life. Invest in the relationships that matter most to you and nurture them over time. Practice gratitude Practicing gratitude can have a powerful impact on our overall well-being. Take time each day to reflect on the things you’re grateful for and appreciate the good things in your life. Don’t be afraid to ask for help Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Don’t hesitate to reach out to friends, family, or professionals when you need support. Embrace your uniqueness We are all unique individuals with our own strengths and weaknesses. Embrace your unique qualities and use them to your advantage. Be present Life is short, and it’s important to make the most of every moment. Practice mindfulness and be present in the moment to fully experience life’s joys and challenges. Pursue lifelong learning Learning doesn’t stop when we finish school. Pursue lifelong learning by reading, taking classes, or trying new things. The more we learn, the more we grow and evolve. Don’t be too hard on yourself We are all our own worst critics, but it’s important to be kind and compassionate to ourselves. Don’t be too hard on yourself for mistakes or setbacks, and remember that it’s all part of the learning process. Believe in yourself Lastly, believe in yourself and your abilities. You are capable of achieving great things and making a positive impact in the world. Have faith in yourself and never give up on your dreams. Life is a journey that we’re all on, and it’s natural to have moments of regret and wonder what might have been. But as we look back on our lives, we also have the opportunity to learn from our experiences and use them to guide our future selves. The lessons shared in this article come from a place of reflection, growth, and compassion, and it serves as a reminder that we’re all in this together. No matter what challenges we face or what obstacles we encounter, we have the power to create a bright and fulfilling future for ourselves. Disclaimer: This article was submitted by Sune, and was reviewed and edited by a staff writer. Better Self Psychology Adelaide Connected Self Psychologist Adelaide Thriving Self York Counselling Service CBT Sleep and Stress – Present Future Self Psychotherapist Bath Bulimia