Mental Health in the Movies: I Used to Be Funny
The brain is a storyteller, so it is only fitting that we gravitate towards narrative. Our brains naturally seek patterns and meaning, and stories help us process emotions and experiences in ways that feel safe. Watching a character navigate trauma, for instance, can validate our own struggles and spark reflection on our journey.
As a movie lover + therapist, I am very invested in stories that navigate mental health topics honestly and compassionately. There are too many examples of poor representation and stereotypes that fuel misinformation.
I Used to Be Funny follows Sam, a young stand-up comedian struggling with PTSD after a traumatic experience. When the disappearance of a teenager she used to nanny forces her to confront her past, Sam embarks on a journey of self-discovery, resilience, and healing, all while trying to reclaim her sense of humor and identity.
What sets I Used to Be Funny apart is its authentic and nuanced portrayal of PTSD. Sam's journey avoids clichéd 'healing arcs' and instead offers an honest depiction of how messy, nonlinear, and deeply personal recovery can be.
Trauma
Authentic Depiction: The film provides a nuanced portrayal of how trauma can disrupt daily life, relationships, and identity. Sam's struggle with PTSD is central to the storyline, offering a raw view of the internal and external challenges survivors face.
Triggering Events: When we meet Sam, she is barely functioning. The disappearance of Brooke, the teen she used to nanny for, deepens the impact of the traumatic event and creates layers of emotional complexity.
Physical and Emotional Symptoms: The film accurately shows PTSD symptoms like flashbacks, avoidance, and hypervigilance, giving viewers insight into the lived experience of trauma.
Healing
Nonlinear Process: The movie captures the nonlinear nature of healing. Sam's journey includes setbacks and breakthroughs, reflecting how recovery often involves both struggle and progress.
Seeking Help: Sam's attempts to cope reflect the importance of reaching out for support, whether through therapy, friends, or self-expression.
Small Steps Forward: The film portrays healing as incremental, with small victories symbolizing significant progress.
Resilience
Resilience is often misunderstood as a heroic ability to "bounce back" or "stay strong" in the face of adversity. I Used to Be Funny offers a more authentic portrayal of resilience as a quiet, persistent effort to move forward, even when the weight of trauma feels overwhelming.
Humor as a Tool for Resilience: Sam’s connection to comedy adds a unique layer to the exploration of resilience. Humor becomes a coping mechanism and a way for her to process her experiences. The film reminds us that resilience often includes finding light, even in dark moments—a way of softening the edges of pain without ignoring it.
I Used to Be Funny reflects the reality for many trauma survivors: the struggle to navigate everyday life, maintain relationships, and feel a sense of purpose. The film’s honesty can inspire viewers to seek support or reflect on their own paths.
I recommend giving it a watch, but please do check trigger warnings if you are sensitive to any content.