Sunday, November 22, 2015

Tip#907: Cultivate Supportive Relationships, Part 7 – Depression - The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2

“Real or not real?” 
The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2 (2015)

I am still in awe of the epic Thursday I had on November 19, 2015! The morning started off with my fourth session of an 8 week program at CAMH called Cognitive Behavioural Therapy Relapse Prevention. This is an empowering follow up to the CBT program I completed in August (see tip#863). 

In the afternoon I attended The Institute of Performance & Learning Trade Show where I got to talk with exhibitor reps from Morneau Shepell and Development Dimensions International about the growing need of mental health awareness in the workplace and my services as a motivational speaker on resilience and depression. I also saw my new friends at Learnography, Amy Coupal, CEO, Juliana Trichilo Cina, Solutions Director and Kate Salmon, Communications Specialist. They always inspire me with their positivity and enthusiastic spirits!

Learnography: Juliana Trichilo Cina, Solutions Director, Amy Coupal, CEO and Kate Salmon, Communications Specialist

In the evening I then attended Healthy Minds Canada's Silver Dinner, 10th Anniversary Event thanks to the gracious invitation from Katie W. Robinette, Executive Director of the event. I met many wonderful new people that included Chelsea Ricchio, Creative Projects & Communications Manager, Philip James de Vries, Online Community Manager.

Katie W. Robinette, Executive Director. Chelsea Ricchio, Creative Projects & Communications Manager and Philip James de Vries, Online Community Manager

More magical connections were made when I found my assigned table and I sat next to Tim McClure, Professional Speaker & Executive Leadership Consultant, Founder of Great Next Chapter Foundation and Todd Keirstead, Professional Golf Entertainer, Founder & President of Golf With Attitude. Hearing their stories was inspiring because they were a part of a community within the mental health field of amazing people who have survived traumatic experiences and now helping others to thrive again.

 Tim McClure, Professional Speaker & Executive Leadership Consultant, Founder of Great Next Chapter Foundation. Todd Keirstead, Professional Golf Entertainer, Founder & President of Golf With Attitude

More inspiration continued with speaker and Supportive Minds Blogger, Sarah Lindsay and keynote speaker Moe Elewonibi, Former NFL and CFL player who shared personal stories of mental health challenges, addictions, recovery and thoughts of suicide during dark times. Moe’s emotional admissions reminded me of the many years I dealt with clinical depression and countless times I thought of suicide. It helped remind me that I am not alone.

Supportive Minds Blogger, Sarah Lindsay. Keynote speaker Moe Elewonibi, Former NFL & CFL player

Later it excited me to think of this amazing, epic day and to recognize the new loving support and people I’ve been meeting that already help me stay strong and enjoy the journey!

The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2 (2015)

The science fiction war film, The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2, is the fourth and final installment of the epic series ending the hero’s journey of Katniss Everdeen (Jennifer Lawrence) and Peeta Mellark (Josh Hutcherson). This dark chapter shows the painful atrocities of war and yet demonstrates courage and compassion for those who are hurting. See: movie trailer 


Although I felt this installment would flow better seeing it with part 1 the movie still spoke to me deeply. For example I resonated with Peeta’s challenge as he was brainwashed into thinking negative, destructive thoughts towards Katniss. He struggles to know what is real or not real. This is what I experienced with suicidal thoughts at the height of my depression episodes. The imbalanced brain chemicals just fools you into thinking suicide is a rational solution.

With the unshakable love, loyalty and support from Katniss she helps Peeta navigate his thoughts of what is real or, in terms of CBT, what are distorted thoughts. They accomplish this through calm, sit-down discussions. This touched me because it mirrored a big part of my recovery solutions and it can also remind audiences of the power of supportive relationships when experiencing depression.


If you are dealing with depression please remember that your dark thoughts of death and hopelessness are only an illusion. They are distorted thoughts. Find the courage to connect with someone you trust and express your feelings. Cultivate supportive relationships so they can help you navigate through dark thoughts and back into the light. You are never alone as long as you can conteact that friend, family member, colleague or someone who just cares for you and believes in you.

“Live the life of a victor.” 
The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2 (2015)

Related Tips:
Tip#300: Cultivate Supportive Relationships, Part 1 – Top 25 Movies 
Tip#824: Cultivate Supportive Relationships, Part 2 – Bell Let’s Talk Day - Wild Card  
Tip#856: Cultivate Supportive Relationships, Part 3 - Mental Health - John Nash - Welcome to Me 
Tip#859: Cultivate Supportive Relationships, Part 4 – Paper Planes
Tip#886: Cultivate Supportive Relationships, Part 5 - Walk the Line
Tip#899: Cultivate Supportive Relationships, Part 6 – Depression - A Little Chaos
Tip#907: Cultivate Supportive Relationships, Part 7 – Depression - The Hunger Games: Mockingjay Part 2  
Tip#918: Cultivate Supportive Relationships, Part 8 - The Intern   
Tip#1118: Cultivate Supportive Relationships, Part 9 - Alpha  Tip#41: Recognize The Support Around You - 4 Movie Tips 

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, Inspiration & Epiphanies 

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Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Speaker & Resilience Expert
Discover How Movies Inspire Resilience in Your Work & Life!
See website: www.motivatorman.com

© Emmanuel Lopez 2015

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Thanks for sharing, Emmanuel! It was great to see you last week, and to see the photos up on facebook/twitter. You are a social media machine!

Kate Salmon | Communications Specialist
Learnography.ca