[mydog2003]

Does anybody have any stories (I'm aiming for books, movies, etc., but a personal story is fine too, if you have one) that relate to their depression? Something you watch when you're down to make you feel better, or something that describes your depression well. Pretty much any story that has something to do with you or your depression.

For me, The Catcher in the Rye really gives me a chance to vent and relate to someone else, but it also reminds me of what a terrible person I am. It's a Wonderful Life always reminds me that I'm not really a terrible person, and that people care about each other for the most part. It gives me hope. I love both of these stories.

[Sam2]

Its nice that you can read or watch those and get some relief from them. I can't watch things that have to do with my problems. It makes me feel exposed for some reason.

Sam2

[paynful]

When I'm struggling and can't seem to get out of my head, I get lost in a book.

If I'm in an indulgent dark mood, I tend to read horror stories (i.e. Stephen King).

If I need a distraction from my mood, I tend to read what I consider to be nonsense fiction. I like to read silly romance-comedies, or even paranormal or sci-fi stories. I have an active imagination so if a book can captivate/occupy my mind, I love it... all most to an unhealthy level.

While it won't solve my problems or even come close to being a constructive use of my time, I still think it's better than doing something completely self-destructive. Which is good, because I usually lack the energy/motivation to do anything with myself.

Colorful is a powerful movie about a teenager's suicide.

The Bell Jar by Sylvia Plath is always one of my favorite reads about depression.

Hyperbole and a Half is an online comic that mostly is completely utterly ridiculous and hilarious but she has written a couple things about depression and her way of describing it is spot on and wonderful.

Generally though I tend to nurse sadness with old movies I loved as a kid. Things that make me laugh and stuff like that.

[bookmadness]

Originally Posted by mydog2003

Does anybody have any stories (I'm aiming for books, movies, etc., but a personal story is fine too, if you have one) that relate to their depression? Something you watch when you're down to make you feel better, or something that describes your depression well. Pretty much any story that has something to do with you or your depression.

For me, The Catcher in the Rye really gives me a chance to vent and relate to someone else, but it also reminds me of what a terrible person I am. It's a Wonderful Life always reminds me that I'm not really a terrible person, and that people care about each other for the most part. It gives me hope. I love both of these stories.

I have to 2nd keeprollings recommendation of Hyperbole and a Half. It is also out in book form and a good chunk of it is new. Someone that can so accurately describe their depression, but do so in such a self-deprecating way? I bust a gut (not Walking Dead style) every time I read part of it.

I have a book and movie strategy for bouts of depression (I love my books and movies, but my depression has been around for a while too, so it needs to be worked in. Or it is a cranky wench)

Depression is increasing?=time for uplifting and inspirational; or raunchy comedy (Judd Apatow, Seth Rogen/Evan Goldberg)

Depression leaves me at a barely functional level=crime shows and movies with a sociopathic mastermind (my mood seems so much better in comparison); horror and post apocalyptic (The Walking Dead--show and comic; any YA series dealing with the topic: Divergent, Hunger Games, Legend, The Testing)

Worst of the worst=I cannot read or watch anything long enough, which makes it worse; so...short stories, poems (Mary Oliver), and magazines; humorous websites/blogs (The Oatmeal)

[ToeJam]

I know it's the cliché blokes film... but Shaw Shank Redemption.

The quote of 'get busy living... or get busy dieing... damn right' is very poignant to me... the main characters ability to be free despite not being free, and him holding on to music and little 'pet' projects to keep him going is inspiring.

Does watching the nightly news count as a movie about depression?