As humans, we all tend to enter a state of sorrowfulness that can hinder our ability to properly live our lives much longer than we hope for. No matter how long these particular feelings may last, all of us can come to an agreement that it’s never ideal for experiencing these emotions.
Fortunately enough, there are plenty of outlets that allow us to get back on our feet and rid those dismal feelings away, with many turning to films as a way to benefit our mental health. Although there’s a never-ending list of ways and ideas to go about help yourself mentally, films are a part of an enriching experience, all of us can turn to.
Down below will highlight precisely how watching films can help your mental health by discussing various details surrounding the matter. You might already know some of these ideas, but we’ll try to dig a little deeper into the subject to get you a sense of something new.
Evokes Emotional Release
Whether you’re a filmmaker or not, most of us are aware of how films convey an emotional impact or, more importantly, have the audience feel the emotions being depicted in the film. Whether or not we agree with the feelings themselves, we can get a sense of belonging by feeling the personal feelings from the film itself.
More specifically, people tend to feel better when they see someone else is going through the same thing they are. It’s not so much the specifics tied to the case by being exact, but more or less, how the emotions themselves are being depicted.
Relatability to a Story
Furthering the notion that people tend to feel better by getting a sense of relatability from someone, regardless if it’s fiction or not, films can help paint that sense of understanding to someone. For example, suppose someone has issues with their family and watches a film about someone who has problems with their family. In that case, it can help them achieve a point of relatability.
As far as feeling alone and isolated during times of distress, the reality is quite the opposite since just about all of us go through these particular emotions at one point or another. With this in mind, these examples are often shown and films since it’s such a common motif for people to experience.
Gives a Sense of Direction
People who are down on their sorrows tend to look for a sense of direction. A sense of direction can be given from a friend, loved one, family member, or anyone who can provide them with advice in any shape or form. Even if the direction is directed at them, hearing a solution that can work for your own feelings is often just as effective.
Since movies are done for a broad audience, there’s an endless number of examples in the mental health field that leave people looking for a sense of direction. Having hope and a plan tends to be the most effective way to combat adverse mental health, and films provide numerous examples through the various works of arts over the year.
Allows for a Break
At the very least, films allow people to get a break and take a step back from everything that’s haunting them in their life. Some might argue that this is simply a distraction and not addressing the root of the issue, but as long as something makes someone feels better and doesn’t harm them or anyone else, who cares.
Films are meant to be a step into a separate reality, allowing us to see a story being told without having to worry about what’s going on in the background. Sure, there are countless ways to ingest a film, with some being more immersive than others, but we all know how relaxing, and plentiful watching a great film can be.