As with everyone, I am both deeply saddened and perplexed by the loss of Robin Williams. There were so many people he became that found hope or gave the gift of healing to others. I set out this evening to write a top ten list. What struck me is how many of his movies dealt with profound mental health, self care, and deeply personal issues. There is no possible way to rank them but the below title’s are certainly worth a look to think differently about mental health and interpersonal issues…
Good Morning Vietnam (1987)- The power of relating to others through humor and finding hope in a time of war.
Dead Poets Society (1989)- The healing power of creativity and poetry. This one really gets me as at one point, faces suicide head on.
Awakenings (1990)- The true story about the combination of music and medications healing others.
The Fisher King (1991)- Have not seen this one in a while but a great movie with co-star Jeff Bridges. Yet another great story of hope and redemption.
Good Will Hunting (1997)- If you have not seen this one, as a mental health provider, put this on your must watch list. This one really hits hard for me as a watched this one about 50+ times. He actually plays a psychologist treating a talented yet traumatized young man.
Patch Adams (1998)- Another true story about treating people as people through the use of humor. Also broke ground about “taking the one down”. Doctors are human beings too (I think 🙂 )
What Dreams May Come (1998)- An amazingly filmed “dream-like” movie about a man dealing with the loss of his wife. Depressing but amazing cinematography.
One Hour Photo (2002)- It was pretty amazing to see him play a “dark” role as someone who becomes obsessed with a family.
I am sure I missed some his movies, but these really capture the human experience. It is hard to believe that someone that captured the human experience so well, could not catch it himself. Hope and despair are very powerful and sadly despair sometimes wins out. If you or a loved one are contemplating suicide please call someone in your support system or 1-800-273-TALK (8255) and let crisis counselors help find hope.
