16 Film Moments That Helped People Through Their Depression

"Rowling’s depiction of dementors as her own depressive feelings resonates with me. And I have the quote above as a reminder that I can always be happy again."

_{– krystenm3}

"Back in 2011–12 my anxiety was so hard. I was very afraid of death. On a very specific, horrible day, I decided to watch Harry Potter and Dumbledore saved me. 'To the well-organised mind, death is but the next great adventure.' This gave me the strength to go forward, each and every day."

_{– joanner4147303ac}

"As a person who is putting on a happy face no matter what, it's very difficult to show other emotions. But this movie made me feel more confident that I need my other emotions just as much as I need my happiness. Keeping your emotions bottled up is not good for your soul. I'm so glad it's teaching this message to children."

_{– Rachel, Facebook}

"I listened to the lyrics, tears streaming down my face, [and] I knew that despite everything I could conquer my problems. When I'm not doing so well, it's my go-to movie."

_{– Ona, Facebook}

"There is something about Cher's unyielding optimism and incredible self-confidence that inspires me to keep going. She just tries really hard to be the best person and friend that she can be in all that she does and I can really identify with that."

_{– Codie, email}

"Tadashi's test tapes are playing back and in all he talks to the camera, and therefore towards whoever is watching. There’s one part in particular that helped me a lot, and he stares right at the viewer and says: 'I’m not giving up on you.'"

_{– saraj46c7a0100}

"The combination of Robin Williams' passion and the inspirational meaning of the poem has really motivated me to live bolder. To live a happier existence."

_{– amandalawsonp}

"Brian's voiceover re-reading the opening lines of how each one of them is perceived reminds me to love and embrace myself for who I am, no matter how people see me. And you can't beat the image of Bender walking across the football field to raise his fist in one final act of acceptance and defiance to make you feel a bit more powerful and able to take on the world."

_{– Daisy, email}

"My favourite scene is in the beginning when the character, Joel, goes to the doctor, and Kirsten's character is busy on the phone, but when the doctor lightly touches her shoulder, she gives a subtle reaction, and then helps Joel. The whole movie was perfect. Ambitious, and interesting."

_{- Anonymous, email}

"When I was in high school, three of my closest lifelong friends passed away within the span of two months. Needless to say, I kind of spiralled in and out of depression. About six months later, I saw Wonder Emporium for the first time. The entire movie really deals with death in a non-confronting, yet still completely in the open, beautiful and magical way."

_{– Francesca, Facebook}

"I watched this at a time when I was finalising a divorce, moving, and separating myself from my parents. It was also the same month Robin Williams had died. The words 'It's not your fault' just shook me and I understood Damon's need for a safe space to function. It made me realise that I am a good person and my imperfections didn't warrant hostility, manipulation, and neglect."

_{– Anonymous}

"That quote has stayed with me since childhood and now it makes me remember, even in my darkest days when I feel all alone, just how strong I am, and that I can get through this."

_{– Sarah, Facebook}

“Seeing a person like Elle, whom no one really gave any thought would have a brain, stand up, work hard, and get accepted, and then graduate from the most difficult law school in the country, gave me hope that I could pull through the addiction, move on, and start a new chapter with other new challenges. It just gets me fired up. Seventeen years later, sober, two masters, and much healthier, I still get moved by Elle.”

_{– Azure, Facebook}

"The scene in Almost Famous when Russell gets back on the bus after coming down from acid and quitting the group. They all join in singing 'Tiny Dancer' and he turns around and joins in. Sometimes all it takes is a familiar song to make you feel better when you feel completely chaotic."

_{– Maya, Facebook}

"Phillip Seymour Hoffman also telling Patrick that he's uncool, that oddly helped. I was uncool. I am uncool. But hearing one of the coolest men in the world (alongside Bowie) say it was OK made me feel so much better for a girl who had no one else. I have had bowts of depression since there, dark days that make it almost unbearable. Film really helps me. It's just such an important platform."

_{– Laura, email}

"The movie 50/50 came out the year after I was diagnosed with a chronic disease at 16 years old. Although I didn’t have cancer, I was in the worst pain in my life and felt like I had just been handed a life sentence with it. The part where Adam finally opens up to his therapist about what people have been saying to him... Hearing those words while I was sick, depressed, and alone made me feel like there was someone out there who finally understood."

_{– michaels454bc07ef}

"This may sound ridiculous, but 'That'll do, pig. That'll do' always rings up in my mind whenever I've done something, be it publishing something or managing something people are not aware of."

_{– Joan, Facebook}

"This scene every time gets me when I hit a depression period in my life. One of the greatest speeches in any film."

_{– Jared, Facebook}