Fear drives into mental illnesses, such as eating disorders. Admitting our fears is the first step into a healthier self-image or a new perspective. We can't let the media keep telling us how we are suppose to look, even when you're scrolling through "beach bodies" on your Instagram feed. I've been enjoying more movies and TV shows making attempts of positive change when it comes to addressing serious issues. Sometimes, we ask ourselves if the controversy is worth the gained awareness. It could go either way after Netflix's original movie, "To The Bone," comes out on July 14th.
High schools require health educators to speak to students about what's driven into eating disorders and their risks. I remember watching a movie in class about a young woman coming out of high school into experiencing anorexia called "For the Love of Nancy." As I'm reviewing the symptoms and statistics, the chronic illnesses usually develop in adolescent years. Both anorexia nervosa is found be equally life-threatening both towards men and women after showing signs of resisting energy intakes, fear of weight gain, and compulsive exercising. Many sad stories involved body-shaming, bullying, self-guilt, social isolation, excelling athletic expectations and brain-washing from the media.
After the trailer of "To The Bone" came out, the only movies I've noticed Lily Collins were "The Blind Side" and "Stuck in Love." Just like Tracey Gold in "For the Love of Nancy," Collins overcame anorexia prior to her acting career. It concerns me that some people may think that actors portray their similar life experiences in part of the alleged "glorifying" mental illnesses. We could only hope that the news will stay sensitive to the viewers on how serious the common symptoms are.
This prediction of backlash seems parallel to the Netflix series, "13 Reasons Why," for telling a story of a teenage girl sending her last messages before committing suicide. That show didn't point out any specific signs of mental illness nor the effective treatment needed in suicide prevention. "To The Bone" might show more promise and truth with the realities of seeking treatment because the story will take place in a residential home according to the trailer. Keanu Reeves plays a psychiatrist running the home with group, family and individual therapy sessions. If the movie demonstrates how help is provided towards eating disorders nowadays, it could bring viewers hope and faith with their own mental health while putting aside the triggers.
As a student of psychology, I approve this movie for its effort to lower the mental illness stigma. Similar to the family dynamic issues caused by drug addictions, eating disorders are treating by talking about them. "To The Bone" may have been accepted by the Sundance Film Festival to purposely open more dialogues on what obsesses us, what holds us back from a healthier life, and what keeps rejoicing us.
