Mental wellness is an important aspect of our lives. Many people suffer from various mental health issues, such as anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder.

It is essential to highlight these issues in various forms of media to create awareness and remove stigmas. Films have been one of the most impactful mediums to address these issues as they have the power to communicate empathy, emotions, and experiences with their audiences.

Here are ten films that address mental wellness to watch and understand the importance of mental health check-ins.

1. The Perks of Being a Wallflower (2012)

Based on a novel of the same name by Stephen Chbosky, The Perks of Being a Wallflower tells the story of a freshman high school student named Charlie. Charlie is an introverted and shy student who finds it hard to make friends.

He stumbles upon a group of seniors who embrace him and take him under their wing. Throughout the film, we witness Charlie’s journey through mental health struggles, including PTSD, depression, and anxiety.

The film provides a realistic depiction of what it’s like to live with these mental health issues and the importance of seeking professional help.

2. A Beautiful Mind (2001)

A Beautiful Mind is a biographical film that depicts the life of John Nash, a renowned mathematician who suffered from schizophrenia.

The film explores Nash’s personal and professional life, including his relationship with his wife, his struggles with the delusions and hallucinations of his condition, and his groundbreaking work in mathematics. The film’s portrayal of the complexities of schizophrenia is captivating, and it highlights the importance of accurately diagnosing and treating mental illnesses.

3. Silver Linings Playbook (2012)

Silver Linings Playbook is a romantic comedy-drama that tells the story of Pat Solitano, a former teacher who moves back in with his parents after a stint in a mental institution.

While confronting his bipolar diagnosis, Pat meets Tiffany, a quirky young woman who also struggles with mental health issues. The film provides a humanizing portrayal of individuals who live with mood disorders and shows that recovery is possible, but it can require a lot of work and patience.

4. Inside Out (2015)

Inside Out is an animated film that explores the emotions of an eleven-year-old girl named Riley through a group of characters that represent her core emotions: Joy, Sadness, Anger, Disgust, and Fear.

The film fosters an understanding of the importance of acknowledging one’s emotions as different emotional challenges arise. It also highlights how suppressed feelings can lead to emotional distress and mental health issues in the future.

5. The Soloist (2009)

The Soloist is a biographical drama based on a true story of a journalist’s relationship with Nathaniel Ayers, a homeless man with schizophrenia who is a former prodigy in music.

The film tests the journalist’s own mental wellness as they come to terms with Ayer’s severe illness. It sheds light on the barriers in accessing medication and help for individuals experiencing homelessness who are battling with serious mental illness.

6. Melancholia (2011)

Melancholia is a sci-fi drama that depicts Justine’s life in the days leading up to the end of the world. Throughout the film, Justine experiences depression and anxiety, magnified after realizing the impending doom.

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The film provides a raw portrayal of depression and the lack of understanding of the illness. The film team approached the portrayal with a technical sense, emphasizing the illogical, there’s nothing there, and a routine is futile approach to how depression changes the individual.

Authentic yet unnerving at times all done in a perfect aesthetic that suits the apocalyptic setting, Kirsten Dunst delivers a memorable performance that deserves attention.

7. Split (2016)

Split is a psychological horror film that follows the story of Kevin, a man diagnosed with Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), who has twenty-three distinct personalities.

One of Kevin’s alter egos has malicious intent, causing mayhem and destruction to those around him. Split illustrates the science and the discourse of different personalities of the same person and how it affects their daily lives and narrates one of the thrilling stories exploring mental wellness in cinema.

8. It’s Kind of a Funny Story (2010)

It’s Kind of a Funny Story portrays the tale of Craig, a teenager who is in a psychiatric facility after expressing suicidal tendencies.

During his stay, he makes friends inside and acclimatizes to the environment and starts to challenge the boundaries and limitations of his former life. The film offers an insight into suicide and mental stressors that cause these tendencies. It also sends a message to the public that everyone is worthy of help and hope of a better future.

9. Call Me Crazy: A Five Film (2013)

Call Me Crazy is an anthology film where five short stories were directed by different female film directors that portray people coming together and dealing with mental health struggles in their lives.

It was produced with the American Psychiatric Association to reduce the stigma of mental illness. The film highlights trauma, suicide, depression, and anxiety, among other mental health issues. It humanizes the stereotypes of mental illnesses, thus opening up space for mental wellness conversations in the community.

10. One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest (1975)

One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest is a classic drama film that follows a story of a criminal, Randle McMurphy, who pretends to be mentally ill to avoid imprisonment.

He ends up being admitted to a psychiatric institution, where he stands up against an abusive head nurse who uses manipulation techniques on their patients. The film highlights the power dynamics among medical personnel and those seeking help and the trauma some experience in the mental wellness institutions.

The film serves as a commentary on the flawed healthcare systems and how communal responsibility can improve mental wellness.

Conclusion

The films listed above offer a diverse range of mental health issues and experiences that individuals may face. They are all unique in their storytelling, from sci-fi thrillers to comedies, dramas, and documentaries.

They shed light on mental illnesses, breakdowns, and the inhumane treatment some experience seeking help. More importantly, they send a loud message about reducing the stigma around mental health and mental wellness conversations.

These films are a perfect starting point to stimulate discussion on mental wellness and what needs to be done for a healthy quality of life.