Not Just a Bad Day: Living with Bipolar Disorder

On the surface, Mike, Erin, and Martha appear to have little in common, but all live under the shadow of bipolar disorder (once known as manic depression), a complex mental illness marked by significant disturbances in mood. Mike is a charismatic young man whose partying lifestyle and abuse of recreational drugs foreshadow a severe manic episode that has him committed to a psychiatric ward. Erin is a young mom whose ability to cope with her new baby deteriorates as she swings between manic episodes and soul-crushing depressions. Martha is a divorced single mom who lost her career and marriage to a manic episode; with group therapy and medication, she is finally lifting herself out of a crippling two-year depression. Treating them all is Dr. Paul Termansen, a psychiatrist at Community Psychiatric Services on Metro Vancouver’s North Shore, where the three attend his mood disorders program. With intimate access and great sensitivity, the film details their personal struggles with the emotional highs and lows of a disorder they must learn to manage in order to lead productive, balanced lives. Colour, digital video. 50 mins.

Post-screening discussion with Dr. Paul Termansen, M.D., F.R.C.P.C and director Gillian Hrankowski.

Dr. Termansen, M.D., F.R.C.P.C., is a former professor at the Department of Psychiatry at UBC and founder of Vancouver Crisis Center and SAFER. Dr. Termansen is currently the director of Vancouver Coastal Health North Shore Community Psychiatric Services and has a private practice in West Vancouver.

Ms. Hrankowski is the director and co-writer of Not Just a Bad Day. She has been active in Vancouver’s film and television community for a decade, rising through the ranks at CBC Television in development and documentary acquisitions before leaving in 2004 to become an independent producer and director.

Co-sponsored by Vancouver Coastal Health North Shore Community Psychiatric Services.

Moderated by Dr. Harry Karlinsky, Clinical Professor, Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia.

Frames of Mind is a monthly film event utilizing film and video to promote professional and community education on issues pertaining to mental health and illness.

For more information, see the Pacific Cinémathèque Program Guide
http://www.cinematheque.bc.ca/nov_dec_07/fom_nov_dec07.htm