Week 9: A Different Perspective

Hi everyone! Welcome back to my blog! This week, I started watching documentaries that portray the struggles experienced by depression disorder patients. Although I have done extensive research on depressive disorders, I wanted to hear from a first-person point of view on the disorder. First, I watched “The Secret Life of the Manic Depressive”, a documentary hosted by Stephen Fry, and distributed by BBC, where Fry explores the world of bipolar disorder, also known as manic depression. The documentary follows Fry’s personal journey and experiences with bipolar disorder while shedding light on the condition through interviews with experts, individuals living with the disorder, and their families. Fry candidly shares his own struggles with bipolar disorder, discussing the extreme highs and lows he has experienced throughout his life. He explores the condition’s impact on his relationships, creativity, and overall well-being. Through his personal stories, Fry aims to destigmatize bipolar disorder and increase awareness and understanding of the condition. The documentary highlights the challenges they face, such as the intense mood swings, the impact on their careers, and the strain it puts on their relationships. Fry also explores the various treatments available for bipolar disorder, including medication and therapy, and examines their effectiveness and side effects. I was moved by everyone that shared their experience in the film. It’s the goal to reduce or eliminate their hardship that motivates me to continue researching. I also watched “Depression: Out of the Shadows”, a documentary by PBS that explores the complex and often misunderstood world of depression. “Depression: Out of the Shadows” discusses the biological, genetic, and environmental factors that contribute to the development of depression. It explores scientific research (up until 2008 when the movie was made) including brain imaging studies and genetic studies, to provide a deeper understanding of the condition. The film highlights the importance of personalized and comprehensive approaches to managing depression. I especially loved how throughout the documentary, experts in the field of psychiatry and mental health provide valuable insights into the causes, symptoms, and treatment of depression. They address common misconceptions and stigma surrounding the condition, emphasizing the need for greater compassion, support, and resources for individuals living with depression. Both movies aim to break the silence surrounding depression and create a dialogue that promotes understanding and empathy. By sharing personal stories, scientific knowledge, and expert perspectives, the documentaries seek to inspire hope, reduce stigma, and encourage individuals to seek help and support for themselves or their loved ones who may be experiencing depression. They provided a whole new perspective to my research.

See you next week!