Mental Health Movies

 Hii!

Welcome back to month 16 of #faltufriday! 

Being an avid T.V. watcher I have always loved consuming content in the form of movies and T.V. Shows. 

Couple of months ago, I had written on recommendations of my favourite T.V. shows which recently gave me rise to an idea; why not share my favourite movies too? 

So, in that case, here are my "most loved" and go-to movies on Mental Health which I can watch innumerable number of times and never get bored of :)

Number One:

Charlie, a 15-year-old introvert, enters high school and is nervous about his new life. When he befriends his seniors, he learns to cope with his friend's demise and his tumultuous past. The reason I like this film is because it looks at the reality of mental illness among high school students. This film suggests the grim reality of living through a mental illness and having to deal with people who do not understand or care to understand. This film “normalizes” what Charlie is going through and shows him that there are people  around him that care and understand. In case you're a person who prefers books to the movies, it is a must read too.

Number Two:

In a gist, Ishaan, the protagonist, is criticised by his parents for his poor academic performance and is sent away to a boarding school. Ram, an art teacher, however, realises he has dyslexia and helps him uncover his potential through his artistic talents. It was probably the first time this particular disorder was named in a mainstream Bollywood film which is what makes it a very significant movie during these times. Most of us have already seen it, but in case you missed it, its a MUST WATCH. It's a super wholesome family movie.

Number Three:

In the movie, a man with bipolar disorder who is being released from a psychiatric hospital. He soon connects emotionally with a quirky young woman,  who has struggled with her own mental health issues, largely brought on by her husband's death. Films have a tendency to create and fortify stereotypes of the mentally unwell as “homicidal maniacs and narcissistic parasites”. Silver Linings Playbook is a fresh departure from this pattern. 

Number Four:

Another Bollywood movie addressing Mental Health Issues, 'Dear Zindagi' comes at number 4 on my list. It addresses the story of Kaira, a videographer by profession, who suffers from insomnia battling undiagnosed depression by herself. She visits a therapist, Dr. Jahangir who helps unravel the real reasons that is causing her lack of sleep. Its a very light hearted film, worth a binge definitely. Even though the story is not 100% accurate as to what happens during therapy, it throws light on the fact that going for therapy is nothing to be ashamed of and helps destigmatises it.

Number Five:

Most of us have seen this movie as a kid but did not understand the real meaning behind it. Inside Out’ is a fun family film, but it’s also an important allegory of mental health problems in young people. The film follows and 11 year old girl called Riley, and her emotions that rule her conscience. This film is just great for children to help work out their emotions, but also for adults to get an insight into how their children may be feeling and the battles they are going thorough in their ‘headquarters.

That was it for today's post! Don't forget to check out my post on 'My Love For Bollywood' too :)

Share and comment down your favourite movies in the comments below!

Signing off,

Kuhu :)