Introduction
Mental illness in children and adolescents is a major problem that affects millions of minors and their families. Despite a high prevalence, mental illness remains stigmatized and frequently misunderstood, hence derailing diagnosis and treatment. Many films have addressed the topic of mental illness in children and adolescents, cinema has been a powerful medium for raising awareness and increasing understanding of mental health issues. No Letting Go, a powerful and moving portrayal of a young boy struggling with mental illness and the impact it has on his family, is one such film. Analyzing No Letting Go provides a candid understanding of challenges faced by child mental illness, professional efficacy, and impact on society’s perception of young people’s mental health.
Discussion
Jonathan D. Bucari directed No Letting Go, an American independent drama film, in 2015. The film is based on the true story of Tim, a young boy challenged by mental illness. Tim is a wonderful young man whom his family and friends adore. However, his life takes a turn when he begins to experience panic attacks, mood swings, and hallucinations. Ultimately, No Letting Go accurately depicts the struggles experienced by young people with mental disorders.
Stephen and Lisa, Tim’s parents, are at a loss as to what is happening to their son and are struggling to get him the help he requires. The film depicts the consequences of Tim’s illness on his family, especially his mother, Lisa, who is isolated and overwhelmed by her son’s condition. Tim’s behavior becomes progressively erratic, and his condition worsens despite the family’s efforts to seek help from various mental health professionals (Bucari, 2002). After several misdiagnoses, Tim is finally diagnosed with bipolar disorder, and his family begins to receive the necessary support and treatment. The film emphasizes the difficulties faced by families dealing with mental illness and the importance of early intervention and support.
Tim’s character exhibits various symptoms and behaviors associated with bipolar disorder. Tim has mood swings, panic attacks, and hallucinations in the early stages of his illness. He becomes withdrawn and irritable, and his academic performance suffers. Tim then establishes bad spending habits, engages in risky behavior, and develops unrealistic expectations of his abilities. He experiences manic episodes as his illness progresses, during which he is hyperactive, impulsive, and elated. Tim becomes lethargic, loses interest in his hobbies, and struggles to concentrate during his depressive episodes. He also attempts to harm himself and experiences suicidal thoughts. The movie highlights how Tim struggles to cope with behaviors associated with bipolar disorder as well as how his family and friends are challenged by his turn of character.
Despite the family initially seeking help from various mental health professionals, Tim does not access effective treatment until he is correctly diagnosed with bipolar disorder. They eventually find a psychiatrist who collaborates with Tim to create a treatment plan that includes therapy and medication. He is given medication and therapy to help improve his quality of life and manage bipolar symptoms. The movie shows the barriers to navigating the mental healthcare system and the significance of finding the right provider. The film is a realistic depiction of the treatment process for mental illness in children and adolescents, emphasizing the importance of a comprehensive approach that includes medication, therapy, and support from family and friends (Bucari, 2002). Therefore, early intervention and a comprehensive treatment plan that addresses each patient’s unique needs are necessary for people with mental conditions.
Tim’s bipolar disorder treatment is delivered through a variety of mediums. Tim is initially diagnosed by his school nurse, who refers him for evaluation to a psychiatrist. His parents then consult with multiple healthcare providers to determine the best course of treatment for him, which may include psychotherapy and medication. However, the film also emphasizes the difficulties in obtaining quality mental health care, such as long wait times, inflated costs, and limited insurance coverage.
Through portraying the characters, the film No Letting Go presents a realistic view of bipolar disorder. Tim’s symptoms and behaviors, such as mood swings, depression, anxiety, and psychosis, are depicted accurately and provide insight into the experience of living with a mental illness. His condition affects his family, friends, and school life, highlighting the difficulties and stigma that young people with mental illnesses frequently face. Furthermore, the challenges that families face when seeking a diagnosis and treatment for their child’s mental illness are featured in the movie. The depiction of Tim’s character concerning his bipolar contributes to the film’s overall effectiveness in raising awareness about mental illness in children and adolescents.
Stephen and Lisa’s disposition in the movie suggests that Stephen may be predisposed to the disorder genetically. Bipolar is influenced by genetic, biological, and environmental factors (Conley et al., 2020). During his manic episodes, Tim’s father, Stephen, exhibits hypomanic symptoms such as excessive energy and grandiosity. On the other hand, Tim’s mother suffers from depression during her depressive episodes. She loses energy and motivation, has difficulty sleeping, and withdraws from her family and friends. The effects of bipolar disorder on Stephen and Lisa’s marriage are accurately delineated in the film by accentuating the strain mental illness can place on relationships. Overall, the film’s portrayal of Stephen and Lisa is a realistic and accurate demonstration of how genetic factors cause bipolar disorder.
I would describe the treatment of bipolar disorder in No Letting Go as nuanced since it does not present a one-size-fits-all approach to managing the disorder. Instead, the film pivots on showing how various forms of treatment may be effective for different individuals based on their unique experiences and symptoms. When Tim is first diagnosed with bipolar disorder, his parents seek medication as the primary form of treatment (Bucari, 2002). However, the film also emphasizes the importance of therapy and support groups in dealing with the disorder. Tim’s relationship with his therapist, Dr. Archibald, is beneficial in helping him understand his illness and develop coping strategies.
Notably, the film highlights the difficulties in obtaining mental health care in the United States, particularly for low-income families. When Tim’s parents try to find a qualified mental health professional for their son, they are challenged by insurance barriers and a long waiting list. The highlighted barriers in mental care accurately reflect the difficulties many families face in real life. A nuanced illustration of bipolar disorder underscores the importance of multifaceted intervention and the need for greater access to mental care.
No Letting Go can be categorized as a film that helps to dispel the stigma associated with mental illness in children and adolescents. As presented by Tim and his family, mental illness is a real and serious critical that anyone can experience, regardless of age or background. Furthermore, the film emphasizes the relevance of early diagnosis and intervention, insisting that seeking help for mental health issues is a sign of strength and courage rather than weakness, as society perceives (Bucari, 2002). By portraying the experiences of individuals and families battling bipolar disorder, the film breaks down the social stigma and how it negatively influences mental care.
However, the film highlights the limitations of the United States’ mental health care system, which can impede access to treatment for those who need it the most. Tim’s family’s struggles in locating appropriate care for him and the long waiting lists as well as insurance barriers they face are unfortunately all too common in real life. Systemic barriers to accessing mental health care perpetuate stigma, hence limiting treatment (Misra et al., 2021). The film raises awareness of the need for increased investment in mental health care infrastructure and resources by exposing these systemic issues. Certainly, the movie serves as a rallying cry for increased investment in mental health resources and infrastructure to ensure all people have access to adequate care.
Conclusion
To conclude, No Letting Go is a moving and impactful film that depicts the difficulties faced by individuals and families affected by bipolar disorder. The devastating impact of the illness on daily life, relationships, and overall well-being through the characters of Tim, Stephen, and Lisa are shown in the movie. In addition, the film emphasizes the significance of early intervention, accurate diagnosis, and appropriate treatment in managing the disorder and reducing the burden on individuals and families. Simultaneously, the film highlights the systemic barriers to accessing mental health care and the need for increased investment in resources and infrastructure. Overall, No Letting Go is an engrossing and compassionate film that contributes to a better understanding of childhood mental illness.
References
Bucari, J. D. (2003). No Letting Go [Video]. YouTube. Web.
Conley, C. S., Hundert, C. G., Charles, J. L., Huguenel, B. M., Al-khouja, M., Qin, S., & Corrigan, P. W. (2020). Honest, open, proud–college: Effectiveness of a peer-led small-group intervention for reducing the stigma of mental illness. Stigma and Health, 5(2), 168. Web.
Misra, S., Jackson, V. W., Chong, J., Choe, K., Tay, C., Wong, J., & Yang, L. H. (2021). A systematic review of cultural aspects of stigma and mental illness among racial and ethnic minority groups in the United States: Implications for interventions. American Journal of Community Psychology, 68(3-4), 486-512.