One South: Portrait of a Psych Unit

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.

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.

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.

I just watched episode 1 of the 2 part series called One South. I'm a retired NYPD police officer. I've visited plenty of psych wards. I have to say that one south is nothing close to where I've been. The care, professionalism, and staff are in another league. The facility is not crowded and very clean. Even though it was shot during Covid, it didn't seem to affect the staff. There was a feeling of calm throughout the episode. During one stressful event, the staff was always looking out for each other, as well as what's best for the patient. If anything this show is a wonderful infomercial for this facility and its exceptional staff. Can't wait to see episode 2.

This docu series gives an intimate look at what psychiatric Doctors and patients go through on a daily basis. A necessary rare glimpse of the inside. Hopefully it'll open eyes and start conversations about the state of mental health of these at risk youth that desperately need help and otherwise have nobody to care for them. The Doctors and Social workers here go above and beyond and you can tell they genuinely care about getting these patients the help that they need. 2 parts was a tease. We need 2 seasons. At least. Dr. Jason Stasi was one of the staff there that convinced me that there is hope and you can tell he's got a passion for his profession. The major difference between this program and other psychiatric docs, this staff is hip and relatable. Not the stuffy old shrink cliche of documentaries in the past. No spoilers but I finished watching and felt hopeful for the mental well being of those in need.