Truxal Library Special Topic Guide: Mental Health Awareness Month

"NOVA: Addiction. Hear firsthand from individuals struggling with addiction and follow the cutting-edge work of doctors and scientists as they investigate why addiction is not a moral failing, but a chronic, treatable medical condition. Easy access to drugs like heroin, fentanyl, and even prescription medications like OxyContin has fueled an epidemic of addiction - the deadliest in US history. Now, science is revealing how addiction affects the brain, and top experts are gathering evidence about how we should address our drug problem, from embracing evidence-based treatments, to rethinking public policies." 53:00

"Through intimate stories of patients, families, and medical providers, BEDLAM immerses us in America’s national crisis surrounding care of the severely mentally ill. Filmed over five years, it brings us inside one of the nation’s busiest psychiatric emergency rooms, into jails where psychiatric patients are warehoused, and to the homes – and homeless encampments – of mentally ill members of our communities. The story is told in part by director Kenneth Paul Rosenberg, MD, a psychiatrist, filmmaker, and brother of a person with schizophrenia." 1:25:31

"Loneliness is a social epidemic that is impacting all age groups around the world. Although most of us are connected on social media, we have never felt more alone. Many of us find ourselves isolated from our communities and feeling lonely. In this new documentary, Breaking Loneliness, we follow four people; Indigenous Peer Support Worker John Chief Moon, 2SLGBTQ+ Liaison and Peer Support Worker Jace Laing-Schroeder, volunteer Tom Greyson and ESL teacher Julie Kraychy — who have worked to overcome their own loneliness and social isolation and are now helping others to battle theirs." 43:55

"Hallucinogenic drugs--popularly called psychedelics--have been used by human societies for thousands of years. Today, scientists are taking a second look at many of these mind-altering substances--both natural and synthetic--and discovering that they can have profoundly positive clinical impacts, helping patients struggling with a range of afflictions from addiction to depression and PTSD." 53:36

"Alastair Campbell is best known for his role as Tony Blair’s formidable spin doctor but, away from the public eye, he has been dogged by crippling bouts of depression. Some days, just getting out of bed is too hard. Therapy and anti-depressant medication is helping him keep his head above water – but is that the best he can hope for? In this intensely personal film, Alastair asks whether radical new treatments can stop his depression. Encouraged by his partner Fiona and daughter Grace, he tries to find out if science can offer him – and the millions like him – the hope of living depression-free." 51:43

"Three women at risk of developing Alzheimer’s join a groundbreaking study to try to prevent the disease. The major study tracks the health and memory of thousands of people over many years, as researchers hunt for lifestyle changes and medicines that could improve all our chances and ultimately protect the brain and body from one of the world’s deadliest diseases." 53:07

"Facing Suicide combines the poignant personal stories of people impacted by suicide with profiles of scientists at the forefront of research to reveal new insights into one of America’s most pressing mental health crises. Shining a light on this difficult topic can destigmatize suicide while revealing that there is help as well as hope for those at risk and their loved ones." 1:24:18

"Consider the official definition of play: engage in activity for enjoyment and recreation rather than a serious or practical purpose. And yet hard science and deep wisdom tell us that play is neither silly nor impractical. Playing for Keeps examines the value of play through a health lens. The film features individuals who prioritize play as essential to a happier life. We witness how play is a particularly powerful antidote to those subjected to stress and danger on the job, while highlighting the power of a playful approach to our daily lives, regardless of our circumstance." 1:02:54

"SOBRIETY ROAD explores the world of addiction and the challenges to recovery. The full feature documentary includes interviews with individuals struggling with addiction, their families, inmates and professionals in the field. Sharing their insights, experiences and hope, SOBRIETY ROAD takes the viewer on a journey filled with possibilities." 1:06:05