Depression Talk

Just as you don’t want to drink alcohol when your depression symptoms are really kicking up, it’s also not adivesable to watch a really depressing movie. You really don’t need anything to intensify your symptoms. Granted, some depressives can watch a depressing movie and not feel any worse, they usually feel any better, either. If you are experincing one of those setbacks where one more thing is going to push you over the edge, then avoid watching depressing movies.

What Constitutes A Depressing Movie?

Granted, you probably have a different definition of what a really depressing movie is. When I refer to a depressing movie, I’m talking abut a movie where you really get to know and pull for the good duys and it looks like they’re going to save the day and then they loose big time. Critics usually refer to these movies as “gritty slices of reality” but they are as depressing as the current economic crisis.

The List

Here we go. Brace yourself. I’m only keeping this to five because I know that when depression symptoms flare up it can be hard to concentrate.

• 5) Birdy (1984) Peter Gabriel’s soundtrack is much more inspiring than the film. Peter describes this as a “very special film”, but I’m not sure if he was being sarcastic. (As in, “You’re being sent to the special education classes.”) This is one of those films where at the end, you shake your head and say, “What the hell just happened?”
• 4) Sophie’s Choice (1982) Granted, any movie involving a Nazi concentration camp should give you a clue that this isn’t going to be a day at the beach. Although incredibly beautiful to look at and has great acting, the ending makes you wonder if everything in life is pointless.
• 3) Platoon (1986) Ditto. What’s even more depressing is that last week on MSNBC, director Oliver Stone commented, “I made three movies about the Vietnam War and it didn’t stop us from doing it again in Iraq.”
• 2) Dances With Wolves (1990) I used to be in an abusive realtionship. Knowing full well I was part Native American, my partner forced me to watch this movie. It was either that or get beat up. I think I would’ve been better off getting beaten up. Thankfully, I finally wised up and left him.
• 1) Brazil (1985). Wanting to watch this movie voluntarily more than once in a lifetime is a definite sign that you may be thinking suicidal thoughts.

If you know of any other movies those with depression should avoid, feel free to comment below.