Are people with bipolar disorder more violent than some movies portray them?
How does depression happen? What are the first symptoms of schizophrenia? What exactly is bipolar? And, most importantly, how do others deal with mental health and mental illness?
With the guidance of a counsellor to distinguish right from wrong, and truth from myths, we can find the answers in movies.
Mental health, a state of emotional, social, and psychological well-being, is a topic that concerns us all – directly or indirectly. Despite of this, it is wrapped in stigma and wariness. We are wary of both accepting others』 mental health struggles as well as admitting our own. However, it is precisely this 『storytelling』 element, i.e. sharing and listening to each other’s mental health stories, that helps us empathize with each other – thus being empowered to achieve a deeper understanding of what mental illness actually means.
To break the silence around mental health using art, we have decided to start a CandleX Mental Health Movie Night (CMHMN) to create a space where stories depicting mental illnesses can be told through movies and documentaries.
Following the screening, a counsellor or expert in the field will moderate the discussion to debunk some myths surrounding mental illness and answer questions from the audience.
For this first CMHMN, we have invited Rachel George, a Licensed Professional Counsellor, to run the Q&A session. At the end of the documentary, she will address the questions raised by the audience.
THE MOVIE
For our very first CMHMN, we return to the charming Camera Stylo, where we had our moodlab bipolar disorder awareness exhibition event. This time, we will be here for the screening of the documentary 「Running from Crazy」 (2013).
If you』ve watched Woody Allen’s Manhattan (1979), you probably remember the stunning young girlfriend of the not-that-young-anymore Allen: a promising actress who received an Oscar nomination for her role in the movie. However, you may not know that her name is Mariel Hemingway, the granddaughter of Nobel-prize winning author Ernest Hemingway.
The documentary is built around Mariel’s personal experiences, as she struggled with depression and suicidal thoughts, all while dealing with abusive family members and caring for her sister Muffet, who had been diagnosed with bipolar schizophrenia.
First shown at the 2013 Sundance festival, according to the Guardian, the film is: "…one of the bleakest snapshots of the human soul at this year's festival".
In order to fundraise for CandleX – and consequently, for mental health – we will accept donations starting from a minimum of 50 RMB.
Title: Running Crazy (2013)
Director: Barbara Kopple
Duration: 1h 45 min + Q&A with a counsellor
Date and time: Sunday, 7 February 2021, 7:30 pm
Venue: Camera Stylo 攝影筆
Address: 64 Dongsishiyitiao, Dongcheng District (Zhangzizhonglu subway station) | 北京市東城區東四十一條64號（張自忠路地鐵站）
Minimum donation: 50 RMB
Registration: just show up. Limited seats, first come first serve
Moderated discussion and Q&A with CandleX’s Guest Counsellor: Rachel GeorgeOriginally from Houston, Texas, Rachel George is a Licensed Professional Counsellor, Nationally Certified Counsellor, professional school counsellor and Board-Certified Coach from the US with over 15 years of experience. She approaches both her life coaching and therapy practices with the same mindset: you and you alone have everything you need to truly live the life you』ve imagined.
Although fairly new to the expat life, she has found China to be the place where her heart truly feels at home. A firm believer in speaking her truth no matter if her voice shakes, Rachel is committed to working with others to not only find their passions but live and relish in them fully. She spends her days empowering students to realize their limitless potential in her role as a school counsellor, and her nights silently planning to change the world – one heart at a time.
For more info and questions, please refer to the addresses below:
Website: www.heartinmindcoaching.com
Email: rachel@heartinmindcoaching.com
To support CandleX, please join our wechat group by scanning the QR code below
CandleX’s Resources
Are you or a friend in a Crisis?
Crisis Support
Your questions on mental health | CandleX Classroom
https://www.candlex.cn/classroom
Depression stories from our community members (both adults and teens)
CandleX Column | Community Writing
https://www.candlex.cn/community-writing
Pretreatment
CandleX Wechat Groups
all ages, add our admin: niama_elazzab
for 15-22 year old, add our admin: amaraprenderyya
Peer Support Group
biweekly meetings and biweekly hangout