One South: Portrait of a Psych Unit

This was a truly eye-opening documentary. You never know what goes on in places like this unless you are there. Most have a negative attitude towards mental health, and this really showed what it's all about. The facility was beautiful and looked very clean. Dr. Stasi was so relatable and seemed like he really cared for and connected with the younger generation that needed help. Great job by the entire staff for doing this difficult job. I couldn't imagine taking this all home with me at the end of the day. Everyone must watch this to truly understand the struggle of the younger generation and how they cope with life.

One South: Portrait of a Psych Unit is all of the things listed in my review subject. It's an exceptionally insightful look into the world, into a world of condition and care that too many people don't know, or understand that exists. It's warming to see the level of empathy the doctors approach their patients with, and the patience and kindness. We are also given insight into the day to day stresses and frustrations of doctors and patients. It's also a little terrifying to watch, and understand that this could be anyone, going through what these people are going through, or maybe a few steps from it, and it could just be that one thing that happens that brings us all there. I'm thankful that there are people that are out there doing the good work to help others. I'm thankful for a show like this that is bringing attention where it is needed. Too many people are ignorant that things can go this way, be this bad, and something like this is enlightening, and re-enforcing of an important point, to always be kind, always be compassionate. You have no idea what people are dealing with or going through. Artistically speaking, the show is very well shot, it tells a spectacular story, and it paints a vivid picture of all of the above. Also, it's a documentary at it's core, and it achieves it's purpose solidly.

I am a 23 year old who just graduated from college and had two stints in the psych ward this past year. Seeing this was really important for me as a reminder to stay out of that place and the skills I learned while there. It also helped me understand the perspective of the staff a bit more. However, the quality of a psych ward like this is VERY rare. This is much more rosy than 99% of units out there. I was with all ages and all conditions for weeks. When I went in the spring, there were many older men with psychosis and that was very scary as a young woman at times. My roommate was a woman in her late 30s who at one point told me she wanted to murder her daughter and she was an on record pedophile. And the therapy was not as focused and careful as presented in this documentary, although i did DBT as well like the patients in the documentary and it was incredibly helpful. However, I appreciate the portrayal of the patients and their stories the most, knowing that these individuals are the same age as me and going through similar pains. It in a way is hard to think about this documentary as mostly about the staff from my perspective. I think about the patients like me.

The documentary has a gender bias. The male patients receive considerably more attention and screen time than female patients. Male patiient's personal stories and emotions are at the center of the 1st episode, unlike the one female patient's story which receives maybe a quarter or the time or even less and is dealt with in a hurrying manner. The female patients are depicted in group and leisure settings talking about random topics, whereas the male patients's concerns are taken really seriously. Essentially the men take up much more space than women.

I was expecting much better job from HBO.

This is a great look behind the scenes of what a psych ward can be like. I am impressed by the care and compassion the medical staff provide. The patients and their stories are so important and need to be amplified to reduce the stigma of those with mental illnesses.

As someone who has been diagnosed with a mental illness and admitted to about a handful of psychiatric wards I WISH they were like this one. Sadly I've experienced a range of very challenging environments and often with people of varying severity of symptoms. At times it was very scary and felt like the opposite of a safe and therapeutic environment.

I would recommend that people watch this to understand the kind of care that exists and the various treatments available. It's so important to find resources (preferably before you need them) and to prioritize your mental health.