Popular media shapes a large portion of our opinions and has the ability to transform many perceptions. As entertaining and recreational as it is, the content we consume through books and movies can also be informative. Among the many topics it can enlighten us on, mental health is one subject that mass media is increasingly addressing.
Here we put together a list of movies and book that can help you better understand mental health – what it means and how you can move towards equipping yourself to deal with it.
Movies:
- Autism: Rain man (1988)
- Anxiety: What About Bob (1991)
- OCD: As Good As It Gets (1997)
- Schizophrenia: A Beautiful Mind (2001)
- Bipolar disorder: Silver Linings Playbook (2012)
- Depression: The Skeleton Twins (2014)
- Mental Health: Inside Out (2015)
Books:
- This is Depression by Dr. Diane McIntosh
- We’ve Been Too Patient by (Editors) Kelechi Ubozoh and L.D. Green
- This Too Shall Pass by Julia Samuel
- Black Pain by Terri Williams
- Own Your Self by Kelly Brogan
- Maybe You Should Talk to Someone by Lori Gottlieb
- Your Happiness Toolkit by Carrie Maxwell Wrigley
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Made Simple by Seth J. Gillihan
- Be Calm by Jill Weber
- Own Your Anxiety by Julian Brass
So, go ahead and dive into the world of these books and films that will unpack details about mental health issues, disorders, depression, anxiety and hopefully give you some guidance and the answers that you are looking for. However, always remember, mass media cannot be a replacement for medical or professional help. Media is a great way to get started and acquaint yourself with a new topic, but if you feel the need to seek help for your own mental health (or someone close to you) then it is always best to seek help at the right places. At Takalam Online Counselling, you can find psychologists, psychotherapists and psychiatrists who are ready to lend you their ears.