It’s Kind of a Funny Story — But It’s No Joke Either.
You don’t have to be broken to be fix.
By Purilaw
Craig Gilner (Keir Gilchrist) is a 16-year old teenage boy who almost jumped off a bridge to end his life, but instead, he came to a psychiatric hospital for help.
I just watched this movie on Netflix last night because I was looking for another depressive friend, para-socially.
What I like about this movie particularly is because the main character stated the fact that we don’t need to have a horrible, traumatic childhood incident to make us feel depressed. Depression is just neurological dysfunction that could happen whether or not you got physically abuse or sexually harassed as a child. Some people are just born with it.
Because as we see, Craig had a decent life and he said so himself. He doesn’t want us to blame his family, his dad just doing his role, his mom actually cares about his wellbeing (which frankly, I’m jealous of) and he has a nice little sister. Although his dad may be a little bit overboard pressuring him.
Craig is also a pretty normal teenage boy. He’s properly functioning socially; he has friends, he likes a girl and has natural sexual drive, he’s smart and can make jokes. He’s pretty much okay and not in a shape to be depressed. But that doesn’t mean he doesn’t deserve to ask for help.
The title “It’s Kinda a Funny Story” was an expression Craig used to defend his embarrassed self, more or less the same as “You may think it’s stupid” because he knew his problem is not as bad as the other patients. But he kept on trying to justify his action to make people around him believe in him. Including himself.
He was reluctant at first to admit that he was depressed, because “How can it possibly be?” He’s ashamed to talk about it with his psychiatrist, Dr. Minerva (Viola Davis).
Craig: “My dad knows that I’m here because I’m stressed out. But he still brings up the application. I mean, ‘Get a clue dad, there’s something bigger going on here.’ ”
Dr. Minerva: “And what’s that?”
Craig: “I don’t know, but it feels big.”
He knew Dr. Minerva understands what he meant. He knew Dr. Minerva can validate his emotions. Even though he has the right person to talk to, he felt uncomfortable elaborating his feeling. Either because he’s an un-talkative kinda a guy (scientifically speaking) or because he’s simply not comfortable yet.
On the other hand, he will try to admit it to someone else that’s less understanding. Because obviously, they need more explanation. And this case was represented from his conversation with his best friend, Aaron (Thomas Mann).
Aaron: “There is SO nothing wrong with you!”
Craig: “Yes there is, I’m depressed!”
I can totally feel that. The agony to have validation from someone — what worse is sometimes it’s your own family or your own best friend — that you’re broken inside. We don’t ask for much, we just need to be understood, and a little compassion wouldn’t hurt. But to be judge that we’re not miserable enough to be depressed is just painfully ironic.
I guess it’s just the price of opening up.
But it’s comforting to know that eventually, we got to see Craig’s openness able to melt some ice; Nia and Aaron both open up their secrets. This just showed how much mental illness is something people are so ashamed of. At least back then in 2010. I’d like to believe Mental Health is beginning to destigmatize now. People can openly talk about their diagnosis, medication, and their struggles, connect and support each other in communities. And it doesn’t have to be in an adult psychiatric hospital. And Craig was one of the unsung heroes that contributed to it.
I’m so grateful for a movie like this. I haven’t read the book yet but it’s intriguing. Just remember that we are all allowed to feel something and all of our emotions are validated. No matter if people believe or not. Only we understand what we’re feeling. And we are all allowed to seek help.
This reminds me to book my next therapy appointment.
