3 movies and 2 shows to watch following World Mental Health Day

Yesterday marked the occasion of World Mental Health Day. With growing awareness regarding the importance of mental health, it has become a key ingredient for the plotline of a variety of media.

These stories not only help normalise such issues, but also act as brilliant sources of representation.

So, with that in mind, here are five such shows and films that you can binge, following World Mental Health Day.

Atypical
"Atypical" is a Netflix original series about an 18-year-old American high school student, who has been diagnosed on the autism spectrum—a neurodevelopmental disease characterised by confined, repetitive behaviours and social communication problems.

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The show takes us through the life of Sam, brilliantly capturing the diversity of the autism spectrum. While it addresses heavier themes like grief and interpersonal conflict, it blends all these themes within lighter layers of honesty, humour, and warmth.

The show not only focuses on Sam as an individual, but also his family members and loved ones as the plot leaves behind subtle questions regarding what is actually considered normal.

Normal People
"Normal People" covers several important themes, including grief, loneliness, and mental health. It has been critically acclaimed for its realistic depiction of men's mental health difficulties, something which is usually not discussed in mainstream media.

While general loneliness pervades the series, the last few episodes highlight the challenges of living with mental issues. It does not undermine or exaggerate the conditions, and while it moves away from the narrative that a depressed person is supposed to stay isolated, it hints at the finer elements like the lack of energy to carry out every day mundane tasks.

All the Bright Places
This show is a popular young-adult film, which explores the lives of two teenagers struggling with their individual, yet complex, issues. While Violet suffers from depression rooting from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), Finch is haunted with an unnamed mental illness that has symptoms similar to bipolar disorder.

Although the film does not explicitly address mental illness, it skilfully depicts how solitary, tiring and tough it can be to live with any form of mental health issue. "All the Bright Places" also emphasises the importance of discussing mental health, and carrying out important conversations before it's too late.

The Perks of being a Wallflower
Directed by Stephen Chbosky, the plot of this film revolves around Charlie, a high school student who is haunted by past traumas, following the suicide of his friend.

As the story continues, tales of childhood abuse are unveiled and he finds it extremely difficult to move on. "The Perks of being a Wallflower" presents a rather relatable story, with the familiar element of bottling up of emotions. The film received a lot of love from the audience, due to the strength displayed by the protagonist and the use of literature throughout the healing process.  

Silver Linings Playbook

This popular film follows a person diagnosed with bipolar disorder, as he seeks treatment and recovers from an event caused by a manic episode. The main character's reluctance to acknowledge his mistakes adds to the truth of his diagnosis and the overall portrayal of his character.

At its core, "Silver Linings Playbook" is a love story, that also illustrates the smaller and more everyday ways in which mental health may affect a person's life. What makes this film critically acclaimed is the honest character development, coupled with truthful depictions of the disorder.