Tip#848: The Power of Acknowledgement, Part 3 – Mental Health in the Workplace - Kumiko, The Treasure Hunter

"I want to help you, I'm just trying to figure out how."
Kumiko, The Treasure Hunter (2014)

I recently attended a very informative panel discussion on mental health in the workplace that inspired me both professionally and personally. Hosted by the HRPA Toronto Chapter the main message was how critical it was now to acknowledge the need to increase awareness and support for mental health. It is already known that mental illness in the workplace is costing businesses billions of dollars per year.

One of the most important, updated stats presented from a recent national survey was 1 in 3 employees have or had a mental health condition. Overall 90% of employees also indicated that managing employee mental wellness is important for employee productivity. The panelists included Dr. Noah Lazar, PhD, Cpsych, Paula Allen, VP Research & Integrative Solutions, Morneau Shepell and Deanna Matzanke, Strategic HR and Diversity Professional and Lawyer.

More details of national survey: Morneau Shepell
See photos: Mental Health Panel discussion

Listening to this presentation inspired me to know that my own motivational speaker topics on increasing resilience in the workplace could be of great service. Also my personal experience with depression, both situation and clinical, could help employers and employees better recognize depression symptoms. My knowledge of empowering movies as personal growth tools can also help transform mindsets blocked by stigma (workplace, societal, cultural and self-stigma). Here is a recent film I'm recommending as my latest tip on acknowledging depression in the workplace.

Kumiko, The Treasure Hunter (2014)

The drama film, Kumiko, The Treasure Hunter, is based on real events about a struggling office worker named Kumiko (Rinko Kikuchi) living in solitude in Tokyo. One day she is inspired to travel to the US in search of a treasure she believes is real that she saw in a VHS video of the film Fargo. This deeply moody and surreal adventure moves at a slow pace and yet captures what depression can be for people in visually artistic scenes. See: movie trailer

Kumiko’s scenes may be disturbing, sad and unsettling especially at work and with other people in her daily life. She is visibly withdrawn, isolated, slow to respond and has difficulty concentrating. And yet when she finds a goal she is passionate about Kumiko becomes focused and driven. I recommend seeing this film even if just for aiding in visually identifying depression symptoms in employees and co-workers.

Watching “movie prescriptions” such as this film or Groundhog Day, A Beautiful Mind and others I’ve recommended (see links below) can help employees and employers recognize common symptoms of depression for themselves or others. Acknowledging these symptoms is an excellent step towards breaking down the stigma of mental illness both personally and in the workplace.

Related Tips:

Tip#326: The Power of Acknowledgement, Part 1 - Groundhog Day 

Tip#838: The Power of Acknowledgement, Part 2 - What Women Want
Tip#848: The Power of Acknowledgement, Part 3 – Mental Health in the Workplace - Kumiko, The Treasure Hunter  
Tip#602: You Are Awesome! Part 1 – Validation (short film)  
Tip#835: You Are Awesome! Part 2 - The Duff 
Tip#889: Random Acts of Kindness – Depression - Seven Pounds
Tip#811: Resilience Resources, Part 4 – Top 15 Movies for Dealing with Depression & Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

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Remember How Movies Can Help You: 
A) Entertain & Escape 
B) Re-energize & Release 
C) Insights, Epiphanies & AHA moments 



Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Speaker & Resilience Expert
Discover How Movies Inspire Resilience in Your Work & Life!
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© Emmanuel Lopez 2015