One South: Portrait of a Psych Unit

Have worked on Psychiatric (Behavioral Health) unit for past 25 years and while this Documentary did capture and portray many aspects of the hard work, dedication etc of the staff. It is either a sugar coated version or this hospital functions on a level and budget far above the norm.

It's like doing a Prison movie or documentary and using a Minumum Security country club prison instead of a Maximum Security prison.

The Reality is a much harsher, down and dirty one that this Documentary does not scratch. The worst day/ time shown in this film would be the best/easiest day at work that most in this field could hope for. This paints an unrealistic view of what it's REALLY like working Psych Combine the above with the constantly moving cameras (I was getting dizzy) and unstructured jump all over from patient to patient and storylines to storylines and I was like extremely disappointed in this.

One South: Portrait of a Psych Unit is all of the things listed in my review subject. It's an exceptionally insightful look into the world, into a world of condition and care that too many people don't know, or understand that exists. It's warming to see the level of empathy the doctors approach their patients with, and the patience and kindness. We are also given insight into the day to day stresses and frustrations of doctors and patients. It's also a little terrifying to watch, and understand that this could be anyone, going through what these people are going through, or maybe a few steps from it, and it could just be that one thing that happens that brings us all there. I'm thankful that there are people that are out there doing the good work to help others. I'm thankful for a show like this that is bringing attention where it is needed. Too many people are ignorant that things can go this way, be this bad, and something like this is enlightening, and re-enforcing of an important point, to always be kind, always be compassionate. You have no idea what people are dealing with or going through. Artistically speaking, the show is very well shot, it tells a spectacular story, and it paints a vivid picture of all of the above. Also, it's a documentary at it's core, and it achieves it's purpose solidly.

The documentary has a gender bias. The male patients receive considerably more attention and screen time than female patients. Male patiient's personal stories and emotions are at the center of the 1st episode, unlike the one female patient's story which receives maybe a quarter or the time or even less and is dealt with in a hurrying manner. The female patients are depicted in group and leisure settings talking about random topics, whereas the male patients's concerns are taken really seriously. Essentially the men take up much more space than women.

I was expecting much better job from HBO.

This is a great look behind the scenes of what a psych ward can be like. I am impressed by the care and compassion the medical staff provide. The patients and their stories are so important and need to be amplified to reduce the stigma of those with mental illnesses.

As someone who has been diagnosed with a mental illness and admitted to about a handful of psychiatric wards I WISH they were like this one. Sadly I've experienced a range of very challenging environments and often with people of varying severity of symptoms. At times it was very scary and felt like the opposite of a safe and therapeutic environment.

I would recommend that people watch this to understand the kind of care that exists and the various treatments available. It's so important to find resources (preferably before you need them) and to prioritize your mental health.

This wasn't what I thought it would be. I've been in three psych ward type places, and I thought this was going to be a documentary exposing them. One South looks like a nice place where you actually get to see doctors so this place does look good. I have been in a place similar, but two of the three places I've been in were horrible. I hoped this documentary would show that side, so it just wasn't what I expected. Watching is also a little triggering so I would say only watch if you're a medical professional/ therapist looking to research about your job. Or if you are looking to potentially check yourself into One South and want more info about it.