Intro: Documentaries about Depression
In this article, we're going to explore some of the best documentaries about Depression.
Depression is a condition that is often overlooked, but very prevalent in the United States. According to statistics, approximately 15% of U.S. adults will experience a major depressive episode in their lifetime, and it’s estimated that only about 50% of these people will receive treatment for their depression. Luckily, there are forms of media available to help people understand what depression is and how they can manage it. These films offer an insightful perspective on depression and help people who may be struggling with or have suffered from the condition gain some hope.
Depression can be very difficult to manage. When a person is struggling with depression, they often feel isolated and have a lot of difficulty reaching out for help. It’s not uncommon for people to feel like they are not worthy of love or support from other people, which makes it even more difficult to reach out.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), depression is “often associated with feeling sad, hopeless, helpless, worthless, guilty, irritable and restless.” These symptoms can make it hard for people to do the things that are normal for them. Some examples include sleeping too much or too little; overeating; problems concentrating or remembering things; reckless behavior; physical pain and fatigue; and suicidal thoughts.
Let's dive into the docs!
1. Surviving the Big D, Part 1 - Documentaries about Depression
Surviving the Big D is a film about overcoming depression and its associated risks. This first part of the documentary features leading psychotherapists, best-selling authors, clinical psychologists and depressed survivors talking more profoundly on to the subject of depression itself. It also delves deeper into causes like rutting cycles in life and how anti depressant medications can be effective for alleviating some symptoms but not curing it forever. The second part will present ways we can recover from mental health issues once they have started taking place at all times in our lives by learning coping mechanisms such as cognitive behavioral therapy or mindfulness meditation.
2. Surviving the Big D, Part 2 - Depression Documentary
Part two of the film takes a deeper look into self help methods and life skills to manage depression, featuring interviews with leading psychotherapists, best selling authors, clinical psychologists and depression survivors.
3. The Cloud of Depression - Documentaries about Depression
1 out of every 4 people will experience depression at some point in their life, according to the National Mental Health Foundation. In contrast to what is seen through Western culture, Muslim and minority cultural values have encouraged a more open discussion on mental health with case studies that are explored here. With the help of real-life stories told by two individuals struggling with depression as well as expert advice from doctors who treated them (one Christian and one Muslim), this article explores how Islamic beliefs may be used for treatment purposes while combating stigma associated with emotional wellbeing.
4. Teen Depression and Suicide: Out of Darkness - Depression Documentaries
In the last decade, according to a study conducted in North Carolina, teen suicides have increased. Depression and anxiety were the top two reasons for this increase. In response to these rates increasing among teens, depression is at the number one spot on a national survey of issues that teens experience with their peers.
“Out of the Darkness” is an important documentary that tells the story of Paige Masten, a teenager who struggled with depression and attempted suicide when she was 16 years old. The hardships Paige faced in her life are incredibly difficult to encounter for anyone but especially for those suffering from mental illness. There are insights about this film you can take advantage of if you or someone close to you has been struggling as well. "How do I help my friend?" is one question that many people ask themselves after watching “Out of the Darkness” because they know how much it would mean if they could support their friend through such difficulties, not just physically but emotionally too!
5. The Truth about Depression - BBC Documentaries on Depression
The Truth About Depression is a BBC Four documentary that looks at the condition of depression and how it's changed over time. The film traces the history of depression, the way it's defined in the DSM, what society thinks about it and how it affects people.
6. Depression, The Misunderstood Epidemic - Depression Documentary
In a world where it's sometimes hard to understand the human condition, this documentary is an eye-opening look into one of the most misunderstood illnesses of our day.
What is depression? How are people affected by it? What can we do to help them? Depression, the Misunderstood Epidemic will answer these questions and more.
7. UNSPOKEN (2018) - Award Winning Short Film About Depression
Behind a beautifully painted facade, lies a tortured soul desperate for an escape. This is the story of a young man's silent battle with depression told in Unspoken by Zoë Birse and it won awards at festivals like Cannes Film Festival.
Conclusions: Documentaries about Depression
Depression is not something that is easy to understand, but it affects millions of people around the world. Luckily, documentaries are making its impact invisible to the public.
If you find this list useful, be sure to share with your friends.
Images credits: Unsplash.com