Treating mental health with movies? It is a very new concept that has shown real promise.
Movies can be powerful catalysts to new thoughts, helping us get out of a rut and make new associations between ourselves and our environment.
This article summarizes early studies and techniques for film based therapies and some notable finding including:
(1) Movies have been successfully used to reduce patient anxiety and resolve conflict between younger patients and their parents during the therapy process.
(2) Film therapy has been shown to help autistic people identify their positive strengths and build resilience.
(3) Watching and discussing superhero movies allowed young people diagnosed with schizophrenia to find strength and meaning in the difficulties they face.
This week I am more broadly exploring media as medicine which ties to the SXSW talk Ryan Hartsell, Vince Kadlubek, Samuel R. Browd, M.D., Ph.D. and I will deliver focusing on the potential of Immersive medicine in addressing mental health concerns.
Ryan is an Emmy winning director and noted innovator in film and VR production, who created the Weird Times series helping teenagers dealing with topics such as Depression, Coming Out, ADHD, Culture Identity and Body Shame.
More about Ryan: https://lnkd.in/daPkshHA
Source: https://theconversation.com/watching-movies-could-be-good-for-your-mental-health-214325
