As I wrote in tip#801 movies are one of the best coping tools for dealing with depression according to depression author Therese J. Borchard. Films help relieve the brain of ruminating, self-defeating thoughts during depression, winter blues or SAD. The following 15 movies are favourites that have helped my mental health with these key themes:
• Excellent cinematic role models for resilience & perseverance
• Reminders for focusing on a vision or goal
• Training the mind for indestructible optimism in workplace & life
• Reminders there are always supportive people
• Movies alleviate ruminating & self-defeating loop in the brain
A Beautiful Mind (2001)
This winner of the Oscar for Best Picture is based on a true story and inspires perseverance in coping with a mental disorder with unconditional love and support from others. Read more: Tip#322
The Artist (2011)
Another winner of an Oscar for Best Picture, this joyful feel-good film will remind you that there are real-life guardian angels ready to support you when you experience crisis and hopelessness. Read more: Tip#807
As Good As it Gets (1997)
This romantic comedy shows how a man suffering from obsessive-compulsive disorder can learn how to cope more socially with the help of strong-willed, patient friends. Read more: Tip#137
50 First Dates (2004)
This romantic comedy shows how one can be creative, optimistic and persevere in helping someone deal with a challenging mental disorder. Read more: Tip#186
Groundhog Day (1993)
This romantic comedy can mirror your own challenges of experiencing a never-ending loop in your life. The story also contains many life-lessons that can help you transform the challenges you face. It is also a metaphor for the ruminating that happens in the brain during depression. Read more: Tip#727
Guardians of the Galaxy (2014)
This superhero film is an excellent resource for reminding you of the power of supportive friendships and team spirit when you feel like a misfit or an outsider. It is also a fantastic feel-good film filled with humour and a treasure of popular songs from the 70’s. Read more: Tip#779
Hector and the Search for Happiness (2014)
This film can inspire you to focus on the positives in life and whatever makes you happy. There are many uplifting life lessons throughout as you follow a man’s mission around the world for identifying happiness. Read more: Tip#792
It’s a Wonderful Life (1946)
This classic Christmas film is overflowing with reminders of the joys of life and the loving power of social support via friends, family and prayer. It is also a reminder that even in the depths of depression that you are never alone. Read more: Tip#714
It’s Kind of a Funny Story (2010)
This comedy drama demonstrates that coping with mental health challenges can come from creative activity and expression such as art and drawing. Read more: Tip#805
Life of Pi (2012)
This visually stunning film will inspire you to persevere no matter how hopeless your current situation looks. It also reminds of the importance of having faith in God or a higher power in dark times. Read more: Tip#608
Peaceful Warrior (2006)
This drama is overflowing with life lessons for achieving goals and overcoming crisis. Its mystical, magical moments will also inspire you to believe in the impossible and when life appears hopeless. Read more: Tip#69
Rocky Balboa (2006)
This final chapter shows Rocky in his late 50’s demonstrating incredible resilience despite living a life alone he didn’t expect to have. His inspirational speech to his son is a must see for motivation. See: Tip#717 See: Rocky’s speech
The Shawshank Redemption (1994)
This film inspires on so many levels especially when it is revealed of how a man remains positive despite being wrongfully accused and jailed for decades. He maintained an inner strength, social support AND a clear vision he focused on to get him through the pain he endured. Read more: Tip#188
Silver Lining Playbook (2012)
This romantic comedy-drama demonstrates the love and support of family and friends for someone with a bipolar disorder. It also shows the transformative power of having a project/vision/goal to focus on. Read more: Tip#621
The Theory of Everything (2014)
This story is based on the life of physicist Stephen Hawking, his motor neuron disease and showing him as an amazing role model for resilience while also showing the unconditional love and support from his wife Jane Wilde. Read more: Tip#804
These are just some of the many films out there that could make a positive difference in your life or workplace right now. Give your mind and spirit a healthy distraction through cinema. Let yourself feel the uplifting power of movies and feel a sense of hope lighting your way out of a dark place.
And if you know someone dealing with depression, winter blues or seasonal affective disorder right now please share these 15 movies to become their Resilience Resources. You could be the real-life angel they’ve been praying for!
Related Tips:
Tip#804: Resilience Resources, Part 1 - Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) - The Theory of Everything
Tip#805: Resilience Resources, Part 2 - Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) - It’s Kind of a Funny Story
Tip#810: Resilience Resources, Part 3 – Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) - A League of Their Own
Tip#811: Resilience Resources, Part 4 – Top 15 Movies for Dealing with Depression & Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
Tip#812: Resilience Resources, Part 5 – Mental Health - Mumford
Tip#813: Resilience Resources, Part 6 - 50 First Dates
Tip#819: Resilience Resources, Part 7 - Wild
Tip#822: Resilience Resources, Part 8 - Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day
Tip#823: Resilience Resources, Part 9 – Super Bowl -Invincible
Tip#825: Resilience Resources, Part 10 – Mental Health & Healthcare - Big Hero 6
Tip#829: Resilience Resources, Part 11 – The Tartigrade – Mr. Deeds Goes To Town
Tip#830: Resilience Resources, Part 12 – Depression & Graham Moore - The Imitation Game
Tip#833: Resilience Resources, Part 13 – Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt
Tip#834: Resilience Resources, Part 14 - Top 10 Movies for Inspiring Resilience in the Workplace
Tip#857: Resilience Resources, Part 15 - Instagram - Pitch Perfect 2
Tip#873: Resilience Resources, Part 16 - Mission: Impossible - Rogue Nation
Tip#881: Resilience Resources, Part 17 - Love & Mercy
Tip#892: Resilience Resources, Part 18 – Problem Solving - The Martian
Tip#896: Resilience Resources, Part 19 - Depression – J.K. Rowling – Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
Tip#910: Resilience Resources, Part 20 – Depression – A Christmas Carol – It’s a Wonderful Life
NEED FAST TIPS FOR STAYING POSITIVE & RESILIENT?
SEE MOTIVATORMAN’S RESILIENCE RESOURCES: Click here
Remember How Movies Can Help You:
A) Entertain & Escape
B) Re-energize & Release
C) Insights, Epiphanies & AHA moments
EMMANUEL’S FIRST BOOK AVAILABLE ON AMAZON KINDLE:
“Movies for Motivation: How To Stay Strong in Your Life & Career”
Read the Introduction and 1st Chapter now: Click here
Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Speaker & Resilience Expert
Discover How Movies Inspire Resilience in Your Work & Life!
See website: www.motivatorman.com
© Emmanuel Lopez 2014
Excellent list of choices Emmanuel! I applaud you for writing about those of us who deal with depression and SAD as well. Keep up the excellent work!
ReplyDeleteMany thanks! I'm really happy my new posts on depression and seasonal affective disorder is helpful. That means a lot to me!
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