Media Example #1:

Van Gogh’s “Eternity Gate” is shown above.  Upon first look, this painting appears to encompass an older man sitting, clearly distressed.  He is crying into his hands. One may believe he is potentially depressed. Vincent Van Gogh painted this and was said to have suffered from mental illness, which is clearly represented in his artwork.  Van Gogh was plagued by manic depression, ultimately ending in this choice to commit suicide in 1890. It is very likely that he incorporated his deep feelings in his work.

This painting can be related to mental illness in college students in the way that mental health impacts the work that Van Gogh and college students do.  Van Gogh used his mental illness as inspiration for the artwork. College students who suffer from mental illness or deteriorated mental health are continuously impacted in everyday activities.  For example, a student who has depression may choose to incorporate his or her inner feelings into an assigned English writing assignment. In both cases, mental illness plays a huge role in both Van Gogh and college students with mental illnesses.

Media Example #2:

This movie encompasses the controversial ideas surrounding the evolving treatment of mental illnesses. In the movie, Randle Patrick McMurphy is brought to a mental institution for an evaluation. During his time at the institution, he encounters a corrupt nurse, Nurse Ratched. She treats her patients with shock therapy, immense medications, and abuse. It is evident through her actions that Nurse Ratchet believes one suffering from a mental illness is deserving of punishments as if it is the victim’s fault.

Although this movie takes place many years ago and isn’t directly connected to college students, it is still significant to ideas regarding mental health. Specifically, mental illness is not the victim’s fault and he or she should never be punished for it. Proper help is available and does not include any forms of negative reinforcement. Clearly, overcoming mental health issues is a complicated and difficult process, but it can be done. Unfortunately, in the movie, mental illness was improperly treated. Death of a character was a result.

Media Example #3:

This television series addresses the implications suicide has on society.  Hannah Baker, a young adult, commits suicide and leaves behind tapes discussing why she did it.  The tapes are passed around to each person who fed into her depression and led her to commit suicide.  The show gets very graphic and real, ultimately leaving sending a strong message to the audience that untreated mental illness (depression, in this case) can and may lead to death.

Hannah Baker could have been a college student, had she overcame her illness and got proper help.  This show illustrates how everyone’s actions truly matter and how everyone should be watching out for each other.  Had Hannah not been raped, stalked, and bullied, perhaps she wouldn’t have taken her own life. Had someone gotten her help, perhaps she would have attended college and had a successful and happy life.  If there is anything to take away from this show, it is that mental illness should not be taken lightly and that we should be watching out for each other.

Media Example #4:

https://mp3fast.me/shawn-mendes-in-my-blood

Shawn Mendes’s “In My Blood”

This popular song by Shawn Mendes helps to break the stigma of talking about mental illness. The lyrics encompass what one may feel when having an anxiety attack. Mendes openly admits that he has suffered from anxiety and uses this song to help calm him down, as it is a reminder that it is not his fault that he is feeling this way.

Anxiety is very common in college students, as there are so many factors that can contribute to an attack in college. Specifically, intense course loads, high expectations, new environments, and homesickness can trigger anxiety. This song speaks positively of anxiety, as it is a reminder that it “is not in our blood.” College students can use this song to help calm down when feeling overwhelmed. In more general terms, music is a great way to forget about the bad things in life currently and feel tranquil.

Media Example #5:

This painting by Edvard Munch entitled “Scream” can also be related to mental health.  Munch’s family was affected by mental illness, as his father and sister were victims. In 1908, Munch had an alcohol-induced breakdown.  He was then admitted to a mental health institution. His feelings shine through in his artwork, specifically in “Scream”. The colors he chose to use and his brush strokes are connected to his mental state.  The person in the painting appears to be under great distress, potentially because Munch felt distressed as well.

Munch used painting to escape from reality and represent his inner feelings.  Practicing this can help one deal with mental illness. College students can use this strategy of finding something else to do to keep the mind busy.  There are so many clubs and on/off campus activities, that one should be able to find something they like.

Media Example #6:

This movie, directed by Stephen Chbosky, brings awareness to the reality of depression in teens.  Charlie, the main character, is followed around and watched as he deals with the effects of depression.  He was admitted to a mental health care hospital a few separate occasions and continues to struggle when he gets discharged.  His depression impacts his everyday activities, as Charlie struggles to make friends and be a “normal” teenager.

This movie was very popular when it came out in 2012.  Many young adults had seen it. As a result, more attention was brought towards the issue of depression in teenagers.  It is truly an eye-opener to those who may not understand the reality of depression. As it is a sad movie, those who watch it may become sympathetic and make efforts to limit the effects people lie Charlie deal with.  College students should watch this movie for two important reasons: to understand depression or to normalize their own mental illness.

Media Example #7:

This movie focuses on a different mental illness, one which is not discussed as much as depression or anxiety: dissociative identity disorder. In this psychological horror film, Kevin struggles to deal with his 23 evident personalities. It is difficult for Kevin to do everyday activities, as he never knows which version of himself he will be on a given day. The people close to him are impacted as a result.

This is another case of necessary attention being brought towards mental health. Although this is not specifically related to college students, many college students have seen this popular movie. Dissociative identity disorder is not talked about enough and many don’t understand what the logistics of this disorder are. Entertaining movies like this one inform the viewers about mental illness. Hopefully, the viewers can remember to stay sympathetic towards all because one can never be sure what someone else is going through.