Mental Health Awareness Month
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, approximately 44.7 million adults in the United States live with a mental health illness. This large statistic means many of your patrons are likely dealing with mental health conditions. Make them feel welcome – while also destigmatizing mental health disorders in your community – by spotlighting Mental Health Awareness Month in your branch.
In addition to providing training for staff, highlighting relevant books and raising awareness within your library, movies are a great way to build empathy, promote discussion and increase understanding around the still somewhat taboo subject. Here are our top movies for highlighting Mental Health Awareness Month in your library this May.
For Adults:
Silver Linings Playbook
Recently released from a mental health hospital, Pat Solatano attempts to get his life back on track after his previously untreated bipolar disorder symptoms caused him both his wife and his job. Along the way, he gets to know Tiffany – a widow also dealing with a mental health condition who wants him to compete with her in a ballroom dance competition. The movie provides a comprehensive and humanizing portrayal of bipolar disorder while highlighting the fact almost everyone is struggling with something.
One Flew over the Cuckoo’s Nest
The classic 1975 film is considered one of the best films ever made – deemed “culturally, historically and aesthetically significant” by the United States Library of Congress and selected for preservation by the National Film Registry. Taking place in a psychiatric institution, this film highlights the gross mistreatment patients used to endure through a variety of characters suffering from anxiety, epilepsy, deafness, muteness and more.
For Teens:
It’s Kind of a Funny Story
Set in a mental health hospital where 16-year-old Craig has checked himself in after experiencing depression and suicidal ideation. The hospital is not a scary place filled with “mad” people, but rather is portrayed as a safe space where those struggling find help and use humor as relief. Although comedic throughout, this film helps normalize the fact that sometimes people need help with their mental health.
The Perks of Being a Wallflower
Isolated and anxious freshman Charlie finds a charismatic group of seniors at the start of high school, who help bring joy into his life. But as the film progresses, audiences get a better understanding of his mental health journey, including a stay in a psychiatric hospital and PTSD from past childhood trauma, providing a great example of how sneaky mental illness can be – especially when dealing with the highs and lows of growing up while suffering from its effects.
For Kids:
Frozen
When the kingdom of Arendelle becomes trapped in perpetual winter due to Snow Queen Elsa’s spell, her sister – Anna – partners with mountaineer Kristoff to break the icy enchantment. This family-friendly Disney film has been praised for accurately depicting someone suffering from anxiety and depression, with the trademark song “Let It Go” even serving as an anthem for many people with mental illness.
Inside Out
A quirky animated film that personifies a young girl’s different emotions – Joy, Sadness, Anger, Fear and Disgust – as she works through her family’s recent move to a new city. The emotions learn to work together to help the girl adjust to her new life – showing mental health in a new framework along the way.
