The Pixar team has honed their ability to combine humor and creativity without shying away from deeper human emotions. Their new film, Inside Out, centers on the emotions, memories, personality and meaning found by the young protagonist as she tries to cope with moving to a new city and school, while on the verge of adolescence. The film offers insight into the value of sadness, one of those human experiences (along with anxiety, fear, and anger) that many people would rather live without. Our tendency to overvalue positive emotions, often shows itself to be inadequate when we (and those we love) face difficult times and transitions. Sadness, in particular, cues us to the fact that we have lost touch with something or someone important to us. It helps us empathically connect with others, and lets others know that we need their help. Sadness and anxiety often lead people into therapy, but it is important to know that they are not the enemy. As one viewer notes, the film reminds us of the words often repeated by therapists, "it is ok to feel sad." A life without anxiety or sadness is likely also a life without contentment or joy. They are a part of the greater human whole.
The film also explores the role of memories, and in particular "core memories" that help shape our personality, experiences, and identity. We see how core memories fall away when their meaning no longer holds in our present reality. In those times, new experiences, memories, and the full range of emotion are needed as we work to re-understand, and sometimes recreate, ourselves, our relationships, and our world.
Treat your children, nieces and nephews, neighbor kids, or your own inner child to Inside Out. Don't forget the popcorn... or the tissues.
Dr. Ryan Howes, founder of National Psychotherapy Day (9.25.15), and his team released a video series last week entitled Moments of Meaning, featuring therapists speaking from the heart about the transformations that take place between therapist and patient in psychotherapy. The whole series is well done and provides an insightful and moving glimpse into real therapy sessions (all stories are shared with the permission of individual patients, and altering identifying information). If you have ever wondered about the benefits, process, or new perspectives that psychotherapy might offer, take a look at this Moments of Meaning video featuring licensed clinical psychologist, Dr. John Dilley, as he shares his experience of entering psychotherapy as a patient himself.
Psychologist Guy Winch's message on the importance of prioritizing emotional health is a great way to wrap up Mental Health Awareness month. We all understand the importance of taking care of our bodies, seeing the doctor for regular check-ups, and quickly seeking proper treatment for wounds or illness. However, we all too often fail to recognize or seek proper and timely treatment for emotional wounds. Loneliness, anxiety, failure, depression, rejection, and loss all take an emotional and physical toll. No one expects you to "shake off" a broken arm, but we often expect others and ourselves to "shake off" these emotional wounds. Guy Winch gives practical advice and examples of ways to improve our awareness and treatment of these issues with what he terms "emotional first aid."
May is recognized as National Mental Health Awareness Month. During the second week of May we focus on raising awareness and support for mental health in children, adolescents and young adults. Did you know that 50% of all lifetime cases of mental health conditions begin by age 14 and 75% by age 24? The following video produced by NAMI (the National Alliance on Mental Illness) highlights early warning signs and features three brave and eloquent young people speaking out mental health.
Say It Out Loud from Emily Cepla on Vimeo.
May is the month in which we advocate as a community to promote mental health awareness and treatment. Help spread the word to end stigma and encourage those we know and love to seek the help they need for their own brighter tomorrows.
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About the AuthorClinical psychologist Dr. Kristy Novinski contributes insights, book and film reviews, discussions of pop culture, and exploration of news and research in the field of psychology. What I'm Reading
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