The documentary film "One Day at a Time" by Paul Chambers and Sam Batley explores the journey of recovery and emphasizes the importance of expressing one's feelings. The film features residents at Damien John Kelly House, a recovery living center for men in Liverpool, who learn to confront their emotions together through various activities like art, sports, and culture. These activities provide a safe and supportive environment for the residents to express themselves and learn healthy coping mechanisms.
As someone who has struggled with expressing emotions, the film resonated deeply with me. The documentary emphasizes that talking about emotions is a powerful tool for coping with overwhelming feelings. The film shows how Sam Batley uses poetry to express himself and how he feels about some really difficult times in his life, which ultimately leads to the creation of a short film, 'Three Bull-Mastiffs in a Corner Kitchen,' which the documentary takes us on a behind-the-scenes journey of.
Moreover, the film highlights how men are often socialized to hide their emotions, leading to serious mental health issues such as depression and anxiety. Sharing one's emotions can be a liberating experience and a vital step towards healing. The documentary's message is relevant not only to individuals in recovery but to everyone who struggles with expressing their emotions. We need to encourage open conversations about mental health, support each other, and create a safe space to share our emotions.
It’s a powerful reminder of the importance of talking about our feelings. Confronting our emotions can be a challenging but transformative experience, and we need to encourage open conversations about mental health, addiction and recovery and support each other to create a safe space to share our emotions.
If you are struggling with addiction or mental health, please seek help. Here are a few links to recovery groups and mental health charities in the UK:
Mind - A mental health charity providing advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem. Website: https://www.mind.org.uk/
Samaritans - A charity providing confidential emotional support to anyone in crisis or struggling to cope. Website: https://www.samaritans.org/
Alcoholics Anonymous - A fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength and hope with each other to help solve their common problem and help others to recover from alcoholism. Website: https://www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk/
Narcotics Anonymous - A fellowship of men and women who meet regularly to help each other stay clean and recover from addiction to drugs. Website: https://ukna.org/
Beat - A charity providing support and information for anyone affected by eating disorders. Website: https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk/
Bipolar UK - A charity helping people living with bipolar disorder, providing information and support services. Website: https://www.bipolaruk.org/
Anxiety UK - A charity providing support and information for people with anxiety disorders. Website: https://www.anxietyuk.org.uk/
Depression Alliance - A charity providing information and support for people affected by depression. Website: https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/depression/about-depression/
Rethink Mental Illness - A charity providing support and information for people affected by mental illness. Website: https://www.rethink.org/
Young Minds - A charity providing support and advice to children and young people with mental health problems. Website: https://youngminds.org.uk/