Two Movies Battling Mental Health Stereotypes Launch Online
September 5th, 2009
A GoodTherapy.org News Summary
The name of a new movie launched online in an effort to counteract popular stereotypes about mental health services and those who receive them, “Schizo,” may not seem like the brightest way of removing such terms from the collective consciousness. But the film, along with a sister flick with the seemingly innocent name of “Kid’s Party,” is aimed at educating the public about the difficulties faced by those diagnosed with a mental illness like schizophrenia, and the decidedly upfront and strong way in which the knowledge is presented is likely to make a significant impact. The short movies, produced by mental health advocacy group Time to Change, have been released for use with other current media pieces as trailers and short clips, hoping to take advantage of the modern trend in viral videos to reach a wide internet audience.
In the clip “Schizo,” an atmosphere with distinct borrowings from classic horror films culminates in the opening of a creaky door, on the other side of which stands Stuart, a character far removed from the realm of frightening figures, who explains that while he has been diagnosed with schizophrenia, he is not violent or out to get anybody. Rather, he relates, he appreciates the support of his friends and family, who help him to experience a greater quality of life on a day to day basis. In “Kid’s Party,” Stuart appears again, this time entertaining shrieking children with a large spider made of balloons ant a party. The clip is headlined with the text “Schizophrenic Man Terrorizes Kid’s Party,” a notion that is likely to create a certain stereotype in viewers’ minds, able to be surprised and investigated upon seeing the “normal” nature of Stuart and his activity.
The films may go a long way towards helping to dispel false beliefs and misapprehensions about psychotherapy and those who seek treatment. As a startling percentage of people hold that those with schizophrenia are necessarily violent and that people indicated for mental illness are crazy and weak, such efforts in fostering honest and realistic ideas and opinions are especially important.
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Comments
My ex father in law was schizophrenic and I never knew that until after he died. Although I wasn’t around him often, all I ever saw was a reserved man who was a little eccentric. I had the creaky door outlook on schizophrenics and wouldn’t have ever thought he was. It was ignorant and baseless on my part I admit and I’m wiser now having met him. He was about as dangerous as a fly.
What a clever and creative approach highlighting the fear factor head on. It’s ironic that the very medium that has played a large role in reinforcing a distorted view of schizophrenia is turning that on its head. A round of applause for the makers of Schizo and their supporters!
Kid’s Party is right on target about how the Press love to sensationalize headlines if a story’s related in any way to mental health issues. You will never read a headline like “Man with ulcer terrorizes party.” Why include that?
There’s such a thing as a right to privacy too. How do reporters find sensitive and personal information out with such ease for their twisted headlines?
worth taking a look at though. maybe we can all gain some insight.
Online videos are all the rage and hopefully, these videos are successful in spreading their message. I do agree that many people have stereotypes associated about people with not-so-perfect mental health, and these kind of initiatives are more than welcome.
I saw Schizo and it was amazing. I highly encourage anyone with a family history of this to find it online and view it.
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