Recommended Documentaries
Kissed By God
Andy Irons: Kissed by God is a film about bipolar disorder and opioid addiction as seen through the life of three-time world champion surfer Andy Irons. Andy struggled with the same demons that millions of people worldwide battle with daily.
Andy was an incredible presence on the world stage as the “People’s Champion.” He was the pride of Hawaii and revered around the world for his blue collar rise to fame and success. However, many were unaware of his internal battles that led to his demise. As the opioid crisis rises to a national emergency in the United States, the untold story of Andy’s life serves to tear down the myths associated with these two ferocious diseases.
Trailer on You Tube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=GJWIPRvtAHk
Andy Irons: Kissed by God is a film about bipolar disorder and opioid addiction as seen through the life of three-time world champion surfer Andy Irons. Andy struggled with the same demons that millions of people worldwide battle with daily.
Andy was an incredible presence on the world stage as the “People’s Champion.” He was the pride of Hawaii and revered around the world for his blue collar rise to fame and success. However, many were unaware of his internal battles that led to his demise. As the opioid crisis rises to a national emergency in the United States, the untold story of Andy’s life serves to tear down the myths associated with these two ferocious diseases.
Trailer on You Tube: www.youtube.com/watch?v=GJWIPRvtAHk
Bipolar Rock 'N' Roller (2018) | Full Documentary | SHOWTIME Sports
BIPOLAR ROCK ’N’ ROLLER, a raw and revealing documentary chronicling the prolific combat-sports broadcaster Mauro Ranallo and his lifelong battle with mental illness, is now available for free to non-subscribers. The full documentary, which originally premiered on SHOWTIME during Mental Health Awareness Month in May 2018, is available via YouTube & SHO.com.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=8VT_5XcJiPo
BIPOLAR ROCK ’N’ ROLLER, a raw and revealing documentary chronicling the prolific combat-sports broadcaster Mauro Ranallo and his lifelong battle with mental illness, is now available for free to non-subscribers. The full documentary, which originally premiered on SHOWTIME during Mental Health Awareness Month in May 2018, is available via YouTube & SHO.com.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=8VT_5XcJiPo
New PBS NOVA Special: Addiction
Hear firsthand from individuals struggling with addiction and follow the cutting-edge work of doctors and scientists as they investigate why addiction is not a moral failing, but a chronic, treatable medical condition. Easy access to drugs like heroin, fentanyl, and even prescription medications like OxyContin has fueled an epidemic of addiction—the deadliest in U.S. history. Now, science is revealing how addiction affects the brain, and top experts are gathering evidence about how we should address our drug problem, from embracing evidence-based treatments, to rethinking public policies.
www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/video/addiction
Hear firsthand from individuals struggling with addiction and follow the cutting-edge work of doctors and scientists as they investigate why addiction is not a moral failing, but a chronic, treatable medical condition. Easy access to drugs like heroin, fentanyl, and even prescription medications like OxyContin has fueled an epidemic of addiction—the deadliest in U.S. history. Now, science is revealing how addiction affects the brain, and top experts are gathering evidence about how we should address our drug problem, from embracing evidence-based treatments, to rethinking public policies.
www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/video/addiction
May 16 on PBS - 'You're not alone': New documentary will feature Kids in Crisis Milwaukee youth storytellers
Wisconsin is collaborating with Milwaukee PBS on a documentary about the lives, challenges and triumphs of a group of four young people who told their stories as part of the Kids in Crisis series.
Rory Linnane wrote in her story announcing the project:
The subjects of the documentary have not had easy lives. One was born addicted to heroin. One wrote a goodbye note when he was 7 years old. One was cyberbullied relentlessly. But they are thriving, smart, funny and dedicated to ending the stigma around mental illness.
The film will debut on Milwaukee PBS on May 16. It will be followed by a series of screening events around the state.
Watch it with this link: www.youtube.com/watch?v=x8HIP7MInfQ
Wisconsin is collaborating with Milwaukee PBS on a documentary about the lives, challenges and triumphs of a group of four young people who told their stories as part of the Kids in Crisis series.
Rory Linnane wrote in her story announcing the project:
The subjects of the documentary have not had easy lives. One was born addicted to heroin. One wrote a goodbye note when he was 7 years old. One was cyberbullied relentlessly. But they are thriving, smart, funny and dedicated to ending the stigma around mental illness.
The film will debut on Milwaukee PBS on May 16. It will be followed by a series of screening events around the state.
Watch it with this link: www.youtube.com/watch?v=x8HIP7MInfQ
Right To Fail
On Frontline - Milwaukee PBS starting Feb 26 at 9pm.
After decades in institutions, a man with schizophrenia faces violence and death to live on his own.
Watch it with this link: www.pbs.org/wgbh/frontline/film/right-to-fail/
On Frontline - Milwaukee PBS starting Feb 26 at 9pm.
After decades in institutions, a man with schizophrenia faces violence and death to live on his own.
Watch it with this link: www.pbs.org/wgbh/frontline/film/right-to-fail/
7 Documentaries about Depression
www.hopetocope.com/7-documentaries-about-depression-to-check-out/
#1 Depression: Out of the Shadows (2008)
In this PBS Home Video, filmmakers explore the variety of manifestations of depression: postpartum depression, late-onset depression, dysthymia, bipolar disorder and look at a variety of segments of the population. Depression: Out of the Shadows, also takes a look at the effectiveness in electroshock therapy as a treatment. [click here to watch the trailer]
#2 The Truth About Depression (2013)
This BBC documentary sheds light on this crippling illness and lifts the curtain on the stigmasurrounding it. In The Truth About Depression, Stephen Nolan meets people “whose life is a constant battle against it and examines the science behind this potentially life-threatening condition.” [watch full documentary here]
#3 This Emotional Life (2009)
The award-winning, three-part PBS documentary explores why “one in four adults in this country experiences a mental health issue that stands in the way of happiness.” The series brings in insights from brain and behavioral experts as well as telling the stories of everyday people and “their paths to mental and emotional wellness.” This Emotional Life is hosted by Dr. Daniel Gilbert, Harvard psychologist and author. [click here to watch the trailer]
#4 When The Bough Breaks (2017)
“The Bough Breaks sheds a bright light on the serious issues associated with postpartum depression and postpartum psychosis,” says Brooke Shields, narrator and executive producer of the feature-length documentary. The film is described as a “shocking film that uncovers this very public health issue which affects one in five new mothers after childbirth.” [click here to watch the trailer]
#5 My Depression: The Up and Down and Up of it (animated)
Having struggled with depression her entire life, Broadway director/writer Elizabeth Swados shares her experiences about depression to help erase the stigma and make the topic more accessible and understandable. This animated HBO film features the voices of Sigourney Weaver, Steve Buscemi, Fred Armisen and Dan Fogler. [click here to watch the trailer]
#6 Men Get Depression (2008)
Men Get Depression is a one-hour HD documentary released on American Public Television and explores the devastating effects of depression through the intimate profiles of real men, including a former NFL Quarterback, a Fortune 500 CEO, an Iraq War veteran, a university professor, a pastor and others. “Others describe rash and risky behaviors that put themselves and others in danger and how this was related to emotional pain and a sense of worthlessness.” [click here to watch the trailer]
#7 The Misunderstood Epidemic: Depression (2010)
The inspiration for this documentary came from filmmaker Susan Polis Schutz’ own experience with depression. She addresses topics such as symptoms, suicide, stigma and how depression can happen to anyone regardless of age, race or socioeconomic background. The Misunderstood Epidemic: Depression also discusses “the pros and cons” of medication, different types of therapy, and support groups. [click here to watch the trailer]
www.hopetocope.com/7-documentaries-about-depression-to-check-out/
#1 Depression: Out of the Shadows (2008)
In this PBS Home Video, filmmakers explore the variety of manifestations of depression: postpartum depression, late-onset depression, dysthymia, bipolar disorder and look at a variety of segments of the population. Depression: Out of the Shadows, also takes a look at the effectiveness in electroshock therapy as a treatment. [click here to watch the trailer]
#2 The Truth About Depression (2013)
This BBC documentary sheds light on this crippling illness and lifts the curtain on the stigmasurrounding it. In The Truth About Depression, Stephen Nolan meets people “whose life is a constant battle against it and examines the science behind this potentially life-threatening condition.” [watch full documentary here]
#3 This Emotional Life (2009)
The award-winning, three-part PBS documentary explores why “one in four adults in this country experiences a mental health issue that stands in the way of happiness.” The series brings in insights from brain and behavioral experts as well as telling the stories of everyday people and “their paths to mental and emotional wellness.” This Emotional Life is hosted by Dr. Daniel Gilbert, Harvard psychologist and author. [click here to watch the trailer]
#4 When The Bough Breaks (2017)
“The Bough Breaks sheds a bright light on the serious issues associated with postpartum depression and postpartum psychosis,” says Brooke Shields, narrator and executive producer of the feature-length documentary. The film is described as a “shocking film that uncovers this very public health issue which affects one in five new mothers after childbirth.” [click here to watch the trailer]
#5 My Depression: The Up and Down and Up of it (animated)
Having struggled with depression her entire life, Broadway director/writer Elizabeth Swados shares her experiences about depression to help erase the stigma and make the topic more accessible and understandable. This animated HBO film features the voices of Sigourney Weaver, Steve Buscemi, Fred Armisen and Dan Fogler. [click here to watch the trailer]
#6 Men Get Depression (2008)
Men Get Depression is a one-hour HD documentary released on American Public Television and explores the devastating effects of depression through the intimate profiles of real men, including a former NFL Quarterback, a Fortune 500 CEO, an Iraq War veteran, a university professor, a pastor and others. “Others describe rash and risky behaviors that put themselves and others in danger and how this was related to emotional pain and a sense of worthlessness.” [click here to watch the trailer]
#7 The Misunderstood Epidemic: Depression (2010)
The inspiration for this documentary came from filmmaker Susan Polis Schutz’ own experience with depression. She addresses topics such as symptoms, suicide, stigma and how depression can happen to anyone regardless of age, race or socioeconomic background. The Misunderstood Epidemic: Depression also discusses “the pros and cons” of medication, different types of therapy, and support groups. [click here to watch the trailer]
7 Documentaries About Bipolar Disorder
www.bphope.com/bipolar-buzz/7-documentaries-about-bipolar-disorder/
This list of documentary films weaves together courageous stories of people with bipolar disorder with discoveries in the fields of neuroscience and genetics which over the years have paved the way to better understanding.
#1 Ride the Tiger (2016)
This film tells the story of highly accomplished individuals, including former congressman Patrick Kennedy, attorney Terri Cheney and cartoonist Ellen Forney, who have been diagnosed with bipolar and seeks to find out where the biological breakdowns occur and how we can possibly pre-empt, fix or rewire our brains back to recovery. Watch the trailer.
#2 Of Two Minds (2012)
Of Two Minds explores the extraordinary lives, struggles and successes of three unique and compelling people living with bipolar disorder. Their journey, from the painful to the painfully funny, opens an engaging and perception-changing view on those all around us who live in bipolar’s shadows … our sisters and brothers, parents and friends, and ourselves. Watch the trailer.
#3 Up/Down (2011)
Up/Down depicts the reality of living with bipolar disorder by showing the delicate balancing act between euphoria and depression. The honest and detailed interviews shine a light on the varied experiences found in the bipolar spectrum from those with a diagnosis, their family members and psychiatric professionals. Watch the trailer.
#4 A Summer in the Cage (2007)
Over the span of seven years, the filmmaker chronicles his friend Sam’s battle with manic depression and delusions. By depicting the difficult emotional impact of bipolar, the intent of A Summer In The Cage was to further the public’s understanding of the complexities of living with this illness. But as the dramatic story unfolds, it also becomes a unique tale about friendship and the ethical responsibilities of a documentary filmmaker. Watch the trailer.
#5 Stephen Fry: The Secret Life of the Manic Depressive (2006)
This two-part television documentary features British actor and comedian Stephen Fry. It explores the effects of living with bipolar disorder on other celebrities and members of the public. Watch the trailer.
#6 The Devil & Daniel Johnston (2005)
This documentary takes us on an abstract, colorful journey into the troubled life of songwriter/artist Daniel Johnston. Watch the trailer.
#7 Biography: Patty Duke (2003)
This episode of the popular TV series, Biography, documents Patty Duke’s life before and after her bipolar disorder diagnosis. Among those commenting: sons, Mackenzie and Sean Astin, husband Michael Pearce and director Arthur Penn. Watch the first 10 minutes.
www.bphope.com/bipolar-buzz/7-documentaries-about-bipolar-disorder/
This list of documentary films weaves together courageous stories of people with bipolar disorder with discoveries in the fields of neuroscience and genetics which over the years have paved the way to better understanding.
#1 Ride the Tiger (2016)
This film tells the story of highly accomplished individuals, including former congressman Patrick Kennedy, attorney Terri Cheney and cartoonist Ellen Forney, who have been diagnosed with bipolar and seeks to find out where the biological breakdowns occur and how we can possibly pre-empt, fix or rewire our brains back to recovery. Watch the trailer.
#2 Of Two Minds (2012)
Of Two Minds explores the extraordinary lives, struggles and successes of three unique and compelling people living with bipolar disorder. Their journey, from the painful to the painfully funny, opens an engaging and perception-changing view on those all around us who live in bipolar’s shadows … our sisters and brothers, parents and friends, and ourselves. Watch the trailer.
#3 Up/Down (2011)
Up/Down depicts the reality of living with bipolar disorder by showing the delicate balancing act between euphoria and depression. The honest and detailed interviews shine a light on the varied experiences found in the bipolar spectrum from those with a diagnosis, their family members and psychiatric professionals. Watch the trailer.
#4 A Summer in the Cage (2007)
Over the span of seven years, the filmmaker chronicles his friend Sam’s battle with manic depression and delusions. By depicting the difficult emotional impact of bipolar, the intent of A Summer In The Cage was to further the public’s understanding of the complexities of living with this illness. But as the dramatic story unfolds, it also becomes a unique tale about friendship and the ethical responsibilities of a documentary filmmaker. Watch the trailer.
#5 Stephen Fry: The Secret Life of the Manic Depressive (2006)
This two-part television documentary features British actor and comedian Stephen Fry. It explores the effects of living with bipolar disorder on other celebrities and members of the public. Watch the trailer.
#6 The Devil & Daniel Johnston (2005)
This documentary takes us on an abstract, colorful journey into the troubled life of songwriter/artist Daniel Johnston. Watch the trailer.
#7 Biography: Patty Duke (2003)
This episode of the popular TV series, Biography, documents Patty Duke’s life before and after her bipolar disorder diagnosis. Among those commenting: sons, Mackenzie and Sean Astin, husband Michael Pearce and director Arthur Penn. Watch the first 10 minutes.
13 Documentaries On Mental Health That You Can Stream Right Now
www.bustle.com/p/13-documentaries-on-mental-health-that-you-can-stream-right-now-14203965
www.bustle.com/p/13-documentaries-on-mental-health-that-you-can-stream-right-now-14203965
- WTF Is Mental Health?
- Alien Boy: The Life & Death Of James Chasse
- Simply Complicated
- Thin
- Running From Crazy
- Don’t Call Me Crazy
- Happy
- The Bridge
- The Horse Boy
- The Devil & Daniel Johnston
- Kurt Cobain: Montage Of Heck
- Robin Williams: Come Inside My Mind
- Outside The House
A Dangerous Son - HBO Documentary
One in 10 American children suffer from serious emotional disturbance and more than 17 million have experienced a psychiatric disorder. A Dangerous Son focuses on three families in crisis, each struggling with a child’s severe mental illness while desperately seeking treatment in the face of limited resources and support; exposing cracks in a system that fails too many families, with potentially devastating consequences for the child or for others.
www.hbo.com/documentaries/a-dangerous-son
One in 10 American children suffer from serious emotional disturbance and more than 17 million have experienced a psychiatric disorder. A Dangerous Son focuses on three families in crisis, each struggling with a child’s severe mental illness while desperately seeking treatment in the face of limited resources and support; exposing cracks in a system that fails too many families, with potentially devastating consequences for the child or for others.
www.hbo.com/documentaries/a-dangerous-son
Visit https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Documentary_films_about_mental_health for more suggestions.
1. A Boy’s Life
2. A Brilliant Madness (Schizophrenia) – PBS
3. A Summer In The Cage
4. Back From The Edge
5. Bellevue Inside Out
6. Bipolarized
7. Child of Rage
8. Darkness and Hope: Depression, Sports, and Me
9. DEPRESSION: Out of the Shadows - PBS
10. Feed your head
11. Free the mind +
12. Healing homes *
13. How Mad Are You?
14. How Does The Brain Work (PBS)
15. Love & Mercy
16. Masks of Madness*
17. Men Get Depression
18. Mental Health Channel.tv – Stories of The Mind
19. Numb
20. OC87: The Obsessive Compulsive, Major Depression, Bipolar, Asperger’s Movie
21. Of two minds +
22. Ride The Tiger (Bipolar Disorder) 0 PBS
23. Stephen Fry: The Secret Life of The Manic Depressive
24. Take these broken wings *
25. The Bridge
26. The Dr who hears voices *
27. The Misunderstood Epidemic: Depression.
28. The Open Dialogue Approach *
29. The Secret Life of The Brain (PBS Home Video) by David Grubin
30. Unlisted: A Story of Schizophrenia
31. Voices - A Story about the Human and Untold Stories of Psychosis – PBS
32. When Medicine Got It Wrong
33. You can heal your life *
• The movies followed by an * can be seen on youtube for free.
• Those followed by a + can be found on Netflix. -
1. A Boy’s Life
2. A Brilliant Madness (Schizophrenia) – PBS
3. A Summer In The Cage
4. Back From The Edge
5. Bellevue Inside Out
6. Bipolarized
7. Child of Rage
8. Darkness and Hope: Depression, Sports, and Me
9. DEPRESSION: Out of the Shadows - PBS
10. Feed your head
11. Free the mind +
12. Healing homes *
13. How Mad Are You?
14. How Does The Brain Work (PBS)
15. Love & Mercy
16. Masks of Madness*
17. Men Get Depression
18. Mental Health Channel.tv – Stories of The Mind
19. Numb
20. OC87: The Obsessive Compulsive, Major Depression, Bipolar, Asperger’s Movie
21. Of two minds +
22. Ride The Tiger (Bipolar Disorder) 0 PBS
23. Stephen Fry: The Secret Life of The Manic Depressive
24. Take these broken wings *
25. The Bridge
26. The Dr who hears voices *
27. The Misunderstood Epidemic: Depression.
28. The Open Dialogue Approach *
29. The Secret Life of The Brain (PBS Home Video) by David Grubin
30. Unlisted: A Story of Schizophrenia
31. Voices - A Story about the Human and Untold Stories of Psychosis – PBS
32. When Medicine Got It Wrong
33. You can heal your life *
• The movies followed by an * can be seen on youtube for free.
• Those followed by a + can be found on Netflix. -