New stories from psychiatry: documentary series fascinates again!

New stories from psychiatry: documentary series fascinates again!

A new look at mental health: The documentary series “Acute Psychiatry Ward” is once again setting standards in the media landscape. The second season of this moving series, which was already very popular with audiences in the first season, starts on August 10, 2025. [rbb-online.de](https://www.rbb-online.de/ Fernsehenen/programm/12_08_2025/2027644.html) reports that the focus of the series is the psychiatrist Barbara Jost and her energetic team. They accompany a large number of patients whose stories are deeply touching and thought-provoking.

The new season tells, among other things, the story of a young woman who, after a stroke of fate, turns to alcohol and is then involved in a traffic accident. The 20-year-old Felix, who suffers from psychosis and thinks he is a cartoon character, and a 42-year-old man who is tormented by inner voices are also portrayed. And that's not all: an older woman who suffers from childhood sexual assault also becomes part of the new episodes. In the first season, viewers also follow the experiences of a plant operator with severe depression and a 28-year-old employee who is battling anorexia.

Insights into everyday life in psychiatry

The documentary was shot by documentary filmmaker Katrin Wegner, who spent weeks following everyday life in the acute psychiatric ward of the district clinics in Groß-Umstadt. This intimate perspective on everyday mental health helps break down the stigma surrounding mental illness. mitvergnuegen.com highlights that more and more series, films and documentaries are covering the topic of mental health in an informative and sensitive manner.

But there is also a warning: some content could be distressing for people with mental health problems. Ideally, such films or series, such as the documentary “Acute Psychiatry Ward”, should be viewed with someone accompanying you. The portrayal of mental illnesses in Hollywood has often been characterized by stereotypes - a cliché dramatization that does not do justice to those affected. The aim of many new productions is to tell authentic stories and thereby promote understanding.

Films and series in focus

The success of the documentary series is part of a larger trend. More and more formats, such as the popular Netflix series, are addressing mental illnesses. The most notable include:

• „BoJack Horseman“ – Eine Animationsserie, die die Herausforderungen einer depressiven Figur behandelt.
• „Silver Linings Playbook“ – Mit Bradley Cooper und Jennifer Lawrence in der Hauptrolle, die manisch-depressive Charaktere zeigen.
• „Girl, Interrupted“ – Ein Film von 1999 über eine junge Frau, die nach einem Selbstmordversuch in die Psychiatrie eingewiesen wird.
• „To The Bone“ – Thematisiert die Kämpfe mit Essstörungen und sozialen Schönheitsidealen.

In addition, film.at would like to point out that although many films and series strive to provide authentic representations, they cannot serve as a replacement for therapy. Stigma, often embodied in stereotypes, can be alleviated through these new approaches. In the end, the goal remains to make those affected feel like they are valuable members of society.

While the documentary series “Acute Psychiatry Ward” finds its way onto television, it becomes clear that the topic of mental health remains an important part of our society and also finds a place in art and media. It is hoped that such honest portrayals will help create understanding and break the stigma.