Tip#920: Learning through Movies, Part 2 - Concussion

It is a year ago this month that I was finally diagnosed with clinical depression and received the proper care I needed. I suffered for over 15 years not knowing what was wrong with me. My symptoms included loss of concentration, heaviness in limbs, hopelessness, withdrawal from activities I enjoyed and the ruminating of negative thoughts that included suicide (see tip#855).

Thankfully, before I was diagnosed, I was able to learn more about my condition by identifying with movie heroes that mirrored what I was experiencing. Films like Groundhog Day, It’s a Wonderful Life, Jerry Maguire and A Beautiful Mind featured scenes of the main character suffering in a depressed state I resonated with. I would also learn how to transform my negative state-of-mind thanks to the strength, courage and solutions these movie heroes demonstrated to free themselves of their challenges.

In my motivational talks I teach people what I learned on how to view movies to identify answers and solutions they are seeking in their own lives, workplace and careers. Films not only inspire and entertain but can help educate and increase awareness of issues in our society, communities, our mental health and even hidden dangers within a profession or sport like football.

Concussion (2015)

The biographical sports medical drama film, Concussion, is based on a true story about Nigerian-born forensic neuropathologist Dr. Bennet Omalu (Will Smith) who discovers a brain disorder killing NFL football players and his fight against the National Football League suppressing his research. This powerful and thought-provoking story features great performances from Smith as well as Alec Baldwin as Dr. Julian Bailes, Gugu Mbatha-Raw as Prema Mutiso, Albert Brooks as Dr. Cyril H. Wecht and David Morse as former Pittsburgh Steelers center Mike Webster. See: movie trailer

Dr. Omalu’s goal and vision was to tell the truth and educate others and help save the lives of football players experiencing years of multiple concussions. This goal continues with this film which explains clearly the causes of what he named chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). In one scene, Dr. Omalu explains how a woodpecker can violently use its head as a battering ram and not suffer injury. Its tongue wraps from the back of its mouth, around the skull and through the nostril acting like a safety belt. This absorbs the shock and protects the brain. The human brain has no such safety belt.

The movie also inspires by showing Dr. Omalu as an excellent cinematic role model. Coming from Nigeria, he pursued his dream to be a valued American citizen and demonstrated passion, perseverance, resilience, courage, leadership, vision and much more. His wife Prema would further inspire with her inner strengths for faith, supportive relationships and indestructible optimism.

This film has also become an invaluable educational tool for NFL players. The NFL Players Association fully supports the film and has been arranging free screenings for as many of the organization’s 12,000 members as possible. To learn more about the hidden story of the NFL and brain injuries check out the Frontline documentary: League of Denial

Inspiring Themes:
• Passion
• Perseverance
• Resilience
• Indestructible Optimism
• Having a Vision & Goal
• Believing & Faith
• Courage
• Supportive Relationships
• Leadership & Teamwork
• Mental Health

It has been said that knowledge is power and movies can help ignite that power. Films can bring life-changing information to your awareness or inspire you to stay strong in the vision or goal you want to achieve. Be educated and motivated by an empowering movie today!

More Articles:
How The NFL Players Association Really Feels About Will Smith's Concussion
How Sony Is Rubbing Concussion In The NFL's Face
The MMQB: Paid to Give Concussions

Related Tips:
Tip#919: Learning through Movies, Part 1 - The Big Short 
Tip#920: Learning through Movies, Part 2 - Concussion 
Tip#989: Learning through Movies, Part 3 - Snowden
Tip#1042: Learning through Movies, Part 4 - Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2 

LISTEN TO EMMANUEL’S CBC RADIO INTERVIEW on
MOVIE MESSAGES OF HOPE: Fresh Air Show 14 minutes 

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



Emmanuel Lopez-Motivatorman
Motivational Speaker & Movie Blogger
Discover How Movies Inspire Resilience & Indestructible Optimism!
See website: www.motivatorman.com

© Emmanuel Lopez 2016