Changing Minds: The Inside Story - Series 2 (ATOM Study Guide)

Following on from the critical acclaim of series one, Changing Minds: The Inside Story journeys with mentally ill patients on their road to recovery, from breaking point to breakthrough.

This second series emphasises the plight of younger patients, aged eighteen and over, who are most at risk of developing mental illness.

Psychiatrist Dr Mark Cross: 'This is a specifically vulnerable group; this is where the majority of mental illnesses start. So therefore this is of vital importance; we have to get it right in this age group.'

Raw and emotional, profound and at times funny, the three-part series is an intimate observation of daily life in the locked mental health units of Sydney's Campbelltown Hospital and in the homes of patients cared for by community mental health teams.

The series follows eleven characters whose mental illnesses do not discriminate in age or social standing. They include:

• Nicholas (18), a bullied schoolboy who relieves his anxiety by self-harming;
• Daniel (20), whose cannabis addiction is masking psychotic symptoms;
• Taileah (20), a recently graduated nurse whose stress manifests in distressing auditory hallucinations;
• Nathan (24), whose schizophrenia allows him to chat with Hitler and Muhammad Ali;
• Joel (18), a rebellious teenager struggling with a tragic past; Fabrice (36), a barrister's son with persecutory delusions about demons and devils;
• David (47), who believes he's Elvis Presley.

All the patients agreed to be filmed whilst unwell, and formally consented again when recovered, both times with the discretion and agreement of their psychiatrists.

Broadcast over three consecutive nights during Mental Health Week, the series explores:

• the vulnerability of young people and the importance of managing mental illness as early as possible;
• what it's like to be held against your will, under the law, in a locked ward;
• the challenge of treating patients diagnosed with mental illness who have no insight into their condition;
• the impact of drugs and alcohol on mental health;
• the support of families, who also struggle with the negative stereotypes of mental illness.

An often-quoted statistic is that one in four Australians has experienced or will experience mental illness. Dr Mark Cross believes that figure is significantly higher. 'If you include mental disorder, drugs and alcohol, mental distress, emotional distress through somebody's lifetime, actually it's almost one in two, if you look at all those other factors.'

Yet despite the prevalence of mental illness in Australia, there's still a great deal of stigma attached to it. Both patients and families report they feel the stigma is often more worrying than the symptoms of mental illness itself, and negative, stereotyped depictions can make their lives even harder.

Dr Mark Cross: 'I'd love there to be a society in the future, in Australia, where there's no stigma against mental illness.'

By following the treating teams in Campbelltown Hospital's Mental Health Unit, taboos are challenged and stigmas attacked. It's sometimes uncomfortable viewing but the message is clear – help is available; mental illness is treatable.

How will your mind change?

Curriculum Links

Changing Minds is recommended for study for students in Years 10–12. Teachers should note the documentary contains strong language, and references to drug use and complex mental health issues. As such, it is recommended for senior students.

Given the sensitive nature of some of the mental illnesses and related issues presented in the documentary, it is also advised that teachers approach activities in a sensitive manner, as many students may have direct personal/family experience with these issues.

Changing Minds can be used in relation to the following subjects:

• English
• Health and Physical Education
• Health and Human Development
• Psychology