Must Watch Movies About Bipolar Disorder

One of the biggest issues that comes with mental illness is the feeling that you're the only one who has to deal with the uphill struggle of keeping your sickness under control.

It's not like you can usually talk about mental health; stigma doesn't allow that in typical conversation. Most people who struggle with depression, bipolar disorder, or similar issues also do their hardest to keep it under wraps because of the fear of being judged.

When you're suffering like that, it's so important to know you're not the only one. That's why these movies about bipolar disorder are so epic, and why you should check them out on Netflix.

The Ghost and the Whale is one of the most recent movies about bipolar disorder to be released, and it's also one of the most honest. It's a tragic tale that follows what happens when untreated bipolar syndrome meets a sudden loss.

Maurice Bernard and his wife produced this movie, and it's one of the most honest looks into what a bout of psychosis due to bipolarity looks like. Living with bipolar disorder is put on full blast display here, and it's heart-wrenching.

If you've ever been in a relationship with a bipolar person, then you're going to find a lot of this movie to be incredibly relatable. Touched with Fire is a movie that explores the relationship of two people who both suffer from bipolar disorder.

The movie was a smash hit at the SXSW Film Festival, and to a point, it's a film that's both comforting and honest about the plight many bipolar people suffer in relationships. Beautifully acted and a perfect indie flick, Touched with Fire is a great choice for any date night.

Of all the movies about bipolar disorder you can watch, Repentance might be one of the most heartbreaking. There's grief, loss, and mental illness run amok — and it's all focused on a man who honestly just wants to be happy in life.

Forest Whitaker's violent drama is incredibly hard-hitting, but at the same time forces you to really think about what others could be going through. That's why Repentance is a must-see film, especially if you love tearjerkers.

One of the most famous movies about bipolar disorder ever produced was Silver Linings Playbook — and surprise, it's also one of the most accurate on this list. The dramatic rom-com is known for having a very sympathetic look at the trouble that bipolarity can wreak on love.

The main character's goal is to win back his ex wife after his bipolar disorder basically wrecked the relationship. A feel-good movie that has a realistic outlook on mental health is refreshing enough, that's why you should watch Silver Linings Playbook.

It was even rated by NAMI as a great movie about mental illness, which says a lot about its quality writing.

This is one of the only movies about bipolar disorder that's based on a true story, specifically from the director's childhood. Infinitely Polar Bear gives viewers a glimpse into the life of a family that struggles with a bipolar father who can't work due to the severity of his mental illness.

It's one of those films that will tug at your heartstrings, primarily because it's impossible to deny that the father figure really does love his family. Unfortunately, bipolarity makes it hard to do right by them.

The other movie that's heavily based on a true story is The Informant!, which follows the real-life story of corporate whistleblower Mark Whitacre.

Though the majority of the movie involves Whitacre exposing a corrupt company to the FBI, the truth is that there are a lot of scenes where it's clear Whitacre's bipolar disorder is worsening due to the stress he's under.

Both one of the more inspiring movies about bipolar disorder and one of the better films about whistleblowing, The Informant! is a great pick for people who want hilarious drama on a corporate level.

Mr. Jones is one of the earliest movies to take an honest, no-sensationalism look at bipolar disorder, and that's exactly what makes it such a spectacular film. It's honest, moves you through the highs and lows, and leaves you wanting more.

Yes, there's a totally unethical and unlikely relationship going on between him and his doctor, but that's Hollywood for you. The bipolar disorder is real in this, and we can respect that.

If you're okay with seeing one of the more sensationalized movies about bipolar disorder, Mad Love is a great pick. This romantic-heavy drama has heavily exaggerated bipolar symptoms, but don't worry — it has a young Drew Barrymore that makes it worth watching at least once.

Though it's not the most accurate portrayal of mental illness in entertainment, Mad Love is a seriously enjoyable and sympathetic look at bipolarity. Anyone with bipolar SOs will probably want to see this, if only for the warm fuzzies it gives.

Most of the movies about bipolar disorder either focus on a person's mood swings or on relationships the bipolar person may have. Michael Clayton is a different kind of movie; it drives home the fact that bipolar people might not be as crazy as people think they are.

Arthur Edens, a bipolar lawyer who stopped taking his medication, claims to have someone tapping his phone during a major corporate court case. Everyone assumed it was bipolar paranoia...until Edens is found dead.

Michael Clayton, his courtroom rival, ends up uncovering a huge coverup, proving that Edens may not have been as crazy as people thought he was. It's a thriller and a half, and that's why Michael Clayton is a must-see.

If you have checked out internet health and wellness advice, you might be aware that there are a plethora of alternative medicine sites touting a variety of cures for everything — including bipolar disorder.

Bipolarized is one of the most chilling movies about bipolar disorder's alternative cures, and why so many people are finding themselves overmedicated and undertreated.

At the end of the day, Bipolarized makes you wonder how much we really know about treating mental illness, and if we're really going about it the right way.