Men, Movies, and Mental Health: Clinical Considerations

June was Men’s Mental Health Month. A time to highlight men’s mental health issues. One way to continue this conversation is through Men, Movies, and Mental Health: Clinical Considerations. Men are drawn to movies that speak to them, to what it means to be a man, to subjects that are important to men. Adding discussions of favorite movies with your male clients may be a helpful way to delve into their thoughts and feelings about their concerns. This is known as Cinema Therapy. More about that in a moment.

My husband is an avid movie viewer. He has specific movies that he watches over and over again. There seems to be a pattern to the types of movies he enjoys. Bold, adventuresome movies with a good dash of the struggle between good guys and bad guys. He has told me “We [men] are made to be warriors. To fight the good fight. To fight against evil.”

Something else I’ve noticed is that my husband, although not an overly emotional man, will get teary-eyed while watching these movies. At these moments he is more open to talk about his feelings. In observing my husband over the years, I have come to believe that movies may be a way to normalize the conversation with men about their feelings and emotional issues. Thus, Men, Movies, and Mental Health: Clinical Considerations may be an important addition to treatment strategies for men and mental health issues.

Statistics

According to Mindwise, here are a few statistics regarding men’s mental health issues:

• “Nearly 1 in 10 men experience depression and anxiety: According to a poll of 21,000 American men by researchers at the National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS), nearly one in ten men reported experiencing some form of depression or anxiety, but less than half sought treatment.”
• “About 6 of every 10 men experience at least one trauma in their lives: Men are more likely to experience trauma related to accidents, physical assault, combat, disaster, or to witness death or injury. PTSD can develop weeks, months, and sometimes even years after an experienced trauma, and can cause a person to relive the traumatic event, avoid places or situations that serve as a reminder of it, feeling on alert or keyed up for danger, experience nightmares or flashbacks, and a number of other troubling symptoms that can interfere with their everyday life.”
• “Men are almost two times more likely to binge drink than women. Not only do men binge drink more often than women, men consistently have higher rates of alcohol-related deaths and hospitalizations.”

In General

Men may wonder if they have what it takes. They sometimes have difficulty with social relationships and talking about their feelings. There is a belief that they should be able to fix their problems on their own. Not being able to do so will put a burden on others. If men ask for help, there is a fear that they will lose their sense of authority with others and that they will appear vulnerable.

Factors That Can Lead to Male Mental Health Issues

• “Sexism: Men who strongly conform to typical masculine norms may be more likely to have poorer mental health.”
• “Trauma: This could include extreme emotional events such as being sexually abused, experiencing combat, or being in high stress situations regularly.”
• “Poor working conditions or a high workload: Work stress and a lack of social support have been associated with a higher likelihood of mental health issues in men.”
• “Traditional gender roles: This can include feeling pressure to be a provider or societal norms that discourage men from talking about their feelings.”
• “Childhood abuse/family issues: Any detrimental issue that occurs in childhood can lead to an increased risk of mental health disorders in adulthood.”
• “Loss of work: Unemployment and retirement are associated with an increased risk of depression in men.”
• “Separation and divorce: Often, men tend to see themselves as being providers and the one to keep the family happy. Depression is more prevalent and more severe among divorced men.”
• “Financial issues: Economic factors are a top cause of stress for many people and could play a role in the development of certain mental health disorders.”
• “Substance abuse: Men may be more likely to use drugs or alcohol as a means of coping with mental health issues, though such ‘self-medication’ can make things worse in the long run.”

How Do Movies Fit Into This Conversation?

What is Cinema Therapy?

“Cinema Therapy is a form of therapy or self-help that uses movies, particularly videos, as therapeutic tools. Cinema therapy can be a catalyst for healing and growth for those who are open to learning how movies affect people and to watching certain films with conscious awareness. Cinema therapy allows one to use the effect of imagery, plot, music, etc. in films on the psyche for insight, inspiration, emotional release or relief and natural change. Used as part of psychotherapy, cinema therapy is an innovative method based on traditional therapeutic principles.”

Segen’s Medical Dictionary

In the Men’s Health article, 18 Films That Explore Mental Illness (February 25, 2021), author Evan Romano relates:

“A movie doesn’t need a big fight or a giant action set piece to be exciting or interesting. In fact, sometimes the best films – or aspects of films – come from looking inward for sources of turmoil that can feel more real and be more relatable for viewers than any gunfight or car chase.”

“In fact, a movie doesn’t even need to be about mental illness or mental health to be part of the ongoing surrounding conversation. That could be a good way to normalize the conversation.”

Evan Romano

Movies to Consider

Here are 6 examples of movies that may be appealing to men. Several of these films are on my husband’s “Top Movies” list. I’ve included trailer videos of each one, in case you’re not familiar with them.

1. Braveheart

Braveheart tells the story of William Wallace (Mel Gibson), who was a Scottish freedom fighter many centuries ago. This movie, according to my husband, depicts “the fight for justice and freedom.”

2. Rob Roy

In 18th century Scotland, Robert Roy MacGregor (Liam Neeson) is the head of a Scottish cattle herding clan. Trouble befalls Rob financially and he is unable to feed his clans-people as a result. In his efforts to pay back a loan secured from the ruling government of the time, his friend is murdered and his wife is raped. My husband was moved by this film because, “No matter what the cost, he (Rob) does the right thing.”

3. The Patriot

The Patriot is set during the Revolutionary War. Benjamin Martin (Mel Gibson), a veteran of the French and Indian War has renounced fighting in order to raise his family in peace. His eldest sons, however, become involved in the Revolutionary War efforts to oust the Redcoats. These sons are killed by a British Colonel, leaving Martin with the decision to once again take up arms to fight for America’s freedom and to instill justice.

4. Radio

This is the real life story of Robert “Radio” Kennedy (Cuba Gooding Jr.), a mentally challenged young man living in South Carolina. Local high school football coach Harold Jones (Ed Harris) develops a nurturing bond with Radio, which results in life-changing events for them both. Radio, a kind and trusting young man, is misunderstood and often bullied by others. As my husband put it, “This is a story of humanity, of compassion and a man’s desire to protect others from being bulled.”

5. Silver Linings Playbook

Silver Linings Playbook is a movie whose theme is directly related to mental health issues. Pat Solatano (Bradley Cooper) returns home to live with his parents after spending time in a psychiatric hospital. Prior to his hospitalization he lost his job as well as the relationship with his wife. His plan to rebuild his life is thwarted by his continued mental health issues and the challenges he faces in accepting mental health treatment. The movie follows Solatano in his journey to hope and help.

6. Good Will Hunting

Good Will Hunting is the story of Will Hunting (Matt Damon), a brilliant yet troubled young man who struggles with relationships and making good life decisions. Becoming involved in some legal problems, he is offered the opportunity to clean up his life by entering counseling with a psychology professor (Robin Williams). This is a story of Hunting’s issues with expressing his feelings, accepting kindness and compassion, and moving past issues of abuse.

In Conclusion

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