Not Just a Bad Day

Four individuals discuss their experience living with bipolar disorder in this informative Canadian documentary, which opens with a title stating that an estimated three out of 100 people have the condition and that a shocking 30% will commit suicide, usually while suffering from depression. In Gillian Hrankowski's film, Mike, Erin, Mary-Jane, and Martha alternate between speaking to the filmmaker, a diary cam, and Dr. Paul Termansen from Vancouver's Community Psychiatric Services. Termansen explains that both genetics and environment, particularly childhood trauma, can contribute to bipolar disorder and that there are four types, the most extreme of which includes manic episodes. For Mike, a stint off his prescription medication, combined with cocaine use, led to jail time and a hospital stay. Martha's mood swings, she believes, brought an end to her 20-year marriage and to her teaching career. The length of time they've been living with the diagnosis ranges from two days, in Erin's case, to 16 years, in Mary-Jane's. All four worry about depression and the side effects of psychotropics like lithium (especially Erin, a new mother who looks forward to having a second child), while friends and relations add to the conversation. Although a cynical viewer could, with some justification, describe Not Just a Bad Day as an extended testimonial for Dr. Termansen's holistic approach, Hrankowski's film will still be of interest to anyone who wants to learn more about bipolar disorder. Recommended. Aud: C, P. (K. Fennessy)