Last night i saw a movie called “the road within” and I think it would be aa great recommendation for the ones interested in learning in a fun way about some disorders. Let me tell you more about it then!

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So for starters, we have three protagonists:

Vincent has Tourette's syndrome, a hereditary neuropsychiatric disorder that manifests during childhood, characterized by various physical tics and at least one vocal tic. These tics have characteristic remissions and recurrences, can be temporarily suppressed, and are preceded by premonitory urges.

The syndrome is defined as part of the spectrum of tic disorders, which includes transient and chronic tics.

 

Alex, Vincent's roommate, has OCD, that stans for obsessive-compulsive disorder. It is characterized by obsessions, compulsions, or both.

Obsessions are recurrent, persistent, unwanted ideas, images, or impulses that cause anxiety and are intrusive. Compulsions (also known as rituals) are specific actions or mental acts that the person feels compelled to perform to try to reduce or avoid the anxiety caused by the obsessions.

 

Marie has anorexia, an eating disorder characterized by a distorted body image, an extreme fear of obesity, and the inability to maintain a minimally normal weight within 15% of the ideal body weight. Patients with this disorder perceive themselves as fat, even when they are extremely thin, and therefore resort to extremely restrictive diets.




 

 

 

 

 

The plot centers on Vincent, a young man with Tourette's syndrome, who is sent to a clinic after the death of his mother. At the clinic, he meets Alex, who has obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and Marie, who struggles with anorexia. Vincent’s father, Robert, is a politician who places Vincent in the clinic to avoid a scandal during his campaign.

Desiring to fulfill his mother’s last wish of spreading her ashes at the ocean, Vincent decides to escape the clinic. He is unexpectedly joined by Alex and Marie.

 

The trio steals a car and embarks on a journey across the country, each facing their personal challenges and learning to understand and support one another. Along the way, their individual struggles and vulnerabilities come to the forefront, leading to moments of conflict and bonding.

As they navigate various obstacles, their journey becomes one of self-discovery, friendship, and acceptance. The film poignantly explores themes of mental illness, personal growth, and the importance of empathy and understanding in overcoming life's challenges.

 

Even if the troupe had way different disorders, all of them experimented:
 

• Isolation and Stigma: All three characters face social stigma and isolation due to their disorders. Vincent, Alex, and Marie struggle with feelings of being misunderstood and judged by others who may not understand their conditions. This shared experience of stigma can create a bond between them as they find solace in each other's company, knowing that they are not alone in their struggles.
   

• Control and Anxiety: Each character grapples with a lack of control over their thoughts, feelings, or behaviors. Vincent's tics, Alex's obsessive thoughts and compulsions, and Marie's fixation on weight and food all reflect struggles with controlling their own minds or bodies. This common theme of feeling out of control can lead to anxiety and frustration, which the characters may find relatable in each other's experiences.

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• Self-Acceptance and Identity: throughout the film, the characters undergo personal journeys of self-acceptance and identity exploration. They must come to terms with their disorders and learn to embrace themselves despite societal expectations and internalized shame. By sharing their stories and vulnerabilities with each other, Vincent, Alex, and Marie can find acceptance and validation in a safe space, allowing them to redefine their identities beyond their disorders.
   

• Coping Mechanisms and Support: despite their initial reluctance to connect with each other, Vincent, Alex, and Marie ultimately form a support system for one another. They share coping mechanisms, offer empathy and understanding, and provide emotional support during difficult moments. Through their shared experiences, they learn new ways to cope with their disorders and navigate the challenges they face.

 

 

In my opinion, I believe that this film is the perfect combination of humor and mental illnesses. By portraying them in a more comedic manner, it makes the viewing of the film much more accessible for people who might be more sensitive to this theme.

Now go watch it and then tell me what you think!!