Introduction:
This summer I have been watching docuseries on Netflix that teach about mental health. I will provide the top 5 docuseries that I recommend to help address depression, stress, anxiety, and insomnia.
Explained, The Mind
The Mind docuseries is very interesting because it teaches about memory, sleep, anxiety, and mindfulness. Each episode is approximately 20 minutes long and it is full of important information about the biopsychosocial factors of mental health. Some of these episodes can be watched more than once to capture all of the information that is provided. I often recommend taking notes to assist with being able to remember relevant information.
Human: The World Within
This show focuses on the biology and chemistry of the human body. I personally enjoyed watching every episode because it highlights these areas:
- What is a cell? What is a neuron?
- What types of chemicals are needed in the body to maintain good mental health?
- Which area of the brain is in charge of emotions?
- How is the gut connected to the brain? Why is the gut the second brain of the body?
- How are senses vital to how I feel and navigate life?
Understanding the science behind the human body is crucial in making positive decisions about mental health.
HeadSpace Guide to Meditation
HeadSpace Guide to Meditation is a good start for beginners in practicing mindfulness. Each episode is also 20 minutes long. At the beginning, it goes over psychology facts and research related to meditation. Then the last 10 minutes it teaches a specific guided meditation activity. This is helpful to practice outside of therapy sessions.
Headspace Guide to Sleep
It is not uncommon for someone who experiences stress, depression, or anxiety to experience problems with falling asleep or staying asleep. This docuseries teaches specific strategies that can be done to address insomnia. This show will teach about the myths and facts of proper sleep. Additionally, at the end of every episode it teaches a guided meditation activity to fall asleep.
The Doctors
This docuseries covers different aspects of the human physiology. There are specific episodes that are relevant to mental health, they are:
- Diet
- Sleep
- Exercise
- Gut
- Alcohol
Each episode is approximately 30 minutes. These episodes will provide further understanding on how the food that is ingested impacts the brain and the gut. Additionally, it will teach about setting proper boundaries with technology before going to bed and how exercise has a positive impacts on the human body. Lastly, it teaches on the negative impact of alcohol on the developing brain of an adolescent. Alcohol is a depressant that can cause a negative impact on the brain and body when it is being abused.
Conclusion:
As a therapist, my goal is to support people once they step out of my office. Applying on what is learned during therapy sessions is key in order to live the best life possible. These docuseries are supplemental to the therapy sessions.
