“Over 20 million Americans are living with depressive disorders, many of them terrified to step out of the shadows and seek help,” narrator Michael Murphy tells viewers in this PBS-aired documentary about a health condition that is not only often difficult to diagnose but also painful for many to talk about publicly. Depression: Out of the Shadows takes a modified oral history approach to the subject, interweaving comments from doctors and mental health experts with the stories of men, women, teens, and other family members who have direct experience with depression. Although the onset of depression commonly occurs between the ages of 15-34, younger and older people are not immune—Emma's symptoms began when she was 11, Hart fell into the “black hole” of bipolar illness (or manic depression) at the age of 12, and Sue was first diagnosed at 65—and while heredity can be a factor, depression cuts across racial and economic lines. Viewers will meet several people who have written about their condition, including Andrew Solomon (The Noonday Demon), Dr. Sherwin “Shep” Nuland (Lost in America), and Terrie M. Williams (Black Pain). In addition, the film looks at various treatment options, such as talk therapy, antidepressants, and even surgery, while cautioning that it can take years for some patients to find the optimum solution. DVD extras include the panel discussion “Caring for Depression” hosted by Jane Pauley. Addressing a perennial healthcare issue—most recently spotlighted following the shocking suicide of acclaimed author David Foster Wallace (who struggled with depression for years)—this is highly recommended. Aud: C, P. (K. Fennessy)
Depression: Out of the Shadows
(2008) 90 min. DVD: $24.99 ($54.95 w/PPR from <a href="http://www.teacher.shop.pbs.org/">www.teacher.shop.pbs.org</a>). PBS Home Video (avail. from most distributors). Closed captioned. ISBN: 0-7936-9451-5. November 24, 2008
Depression: Out of the Shadows
Star Ratings
As of March 2022, Video Librarian has changed from a four-star rating system to a five-star one. This change allows our reviewers to have a wider range of critical viewpoints, as well as to synchronize with Google’s rating structure. This change affects all reviews from March 2022 onwards. All reviews from before this period will still retain their original rating. Future film submissions will be considered our new 1-5 star criteria.
Order From Your Favorite Distributor Today: