No Kidding, Me 2! : Mental Illness Documentary

No Kidding! Me 2!! is a documentary done by Joe Pantoliano (Ralphie from The Sopranos) on mental illness and the stigma that surrounds it. Joe brings together five other people with mental illness (he himself has clinical depression) to talk about their illnesses and experiences they've had such as dealing with any stigma. Not only that, but the families and friends of the individuals are also involved with discussing their POV of their loved ones mental illness. In addition, several doctors and mental health officials (such as a psychiatry professor) are also talked to and interviewed throughout the documentary. One of the best things is that it's explained at the end in a "Where are they now" kind of thing about how life has gone for the participants. Thankfully, most of it is good news to one degree or another.The main mental illnesses the documentary focuses on are clinical depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, ADHD, Bipoar, and paranoid schizophrenia.One such person, Casey, mentions at point how she went to get stitches after a case of self-harm. The doctor found out it was self-inflicted, stitched her up without anesthesia and without saying another word to her. Another discusses his suicide attempt by jumping from his ninth floor window. It's a very frank and opened discussion on the pain people with mental illness suffer through, all too many times alone for far too many people.The people involved are very frank and honest about their illnesses and experiences. Which is great because this was one of Joe Pantoliano's goals and reasons for doing the documentary. He wants to get honest talk and the truth out there on what it's like living with mental illness. The only way to fight the stigma that surrounds mental illness from those who are on "the outside looking in".Sprinkled throughout the movie also are a few statistics on mental illness such as 1 in 4 Americans suffer from at least one disorder.One thing I wish they would have done would have a little more variety in what the people had. I guess what I'm saying is that I just would have liked seeing more lesser known and/or just as stigmatized mental illnesses represented. Say, Borderline Personality Disorder or Social Anxiety Disorder. You know, just ones that are far less "accepted" (for lack of a better word) and well known. Or maybe, the ones you never really hear much about but can (and often are) just as debilitating.It's a well done documentary and not just because it's a topic near and dear to my heart. Perhaps you're a person looking to check out some documentaries because you'd like to check out the genre or maybe you're just simply looking for a new one to watch. Or maybe, you fit one of the two above and you want to get a glimpse into what mental illness is REALLY like for those with one or more or their family and friends or perhaps you want to know you aren't alone.Whatever you're reasons might be, No Kidding, Me 2!! is a good choice to pick up. I would suggest it to anyone who is looking for a good documentary to watch.

As a caretaker of an untreated bipolar spouse that refuses treatment - it helps others understand. I do wish there was a bit more about modern treatments and medications and the importance of constant therapy. For those of us without the resources of a famous actor, the collateral damage is life threatening. Amazon loves me during the manic episodes because i have to order 4 more phone chargers every other day as they go missing, along with all the books about mental illness - so i end up renting kindle versions or viewing Amazon videos. Computer and camera batteries disappear, as well as SD cards... to say nothing of the relationships and friends and effect on our business. Such a beautiful woman, such a brilliant creative mind, but this disease destroys all her accomplishments every 2 years - i will seek out and share every possible resource. Thank you Joey for revealing your secret of mental disease and helping the world see it with no different a social stigma than a broken leg

Love ya, Joey! and by the way, No kidding, me too!!"No Kidding! Me 2!" is a very good documentary, that gives us people with a "Mental Illnes" diagnosis a look at others who, through no fault of their own have also found themselves in similar circumstances.Many of us, like Joe, have come to our diagnosis later in our lives, but have suffered for years without really knowing why...if we can really figure out why.I am currently getting ready to graduate from my local day rehab program, am finishing up my internship for my certification to become a Peer Support Specialist and hope to take my state boards in August.I hope that Joe and NKM2 can produce more outstanding material to show that we are all just people with a disease that needs to be addressed as what it is a disease that we certainly didn't ask for and certainly don't want to be stigmatized for.Dorothy Hamill was a guest speaker here, and she told us that when she was diagnosed with breast cancer, that there wasn't enough that people could/would do for her. But when she was diagnosed with Major Depression, there was like no communication at all.NKM2 keep up the good work on your end, and I will try to keep up on mine!!

A great film about the stigma of mental illness and the need for society to treat the mentally ill with respect. The content of the film was very good and made some significant points about how society, the medical community and the insurance companies treat the mentally ill compared to those with other medical conditions. The editing of this film was choppy, which was surprising since the film was written and directed by actor Joe Pantoliano, and was distracting to the content. However, anyone working in mental health or the medical community should view this film to get a better understanding of the impact the negative stigma has on those inflicted and how it prevents many from seeking treatment.

Recently I set out online to promote my story about the stigma of mental illness... I came across "Joey Pants" facebook group NKM2, then found this movie online. I was blown away by Joe's and all the people involved candor and openness. I love Joe as an actor, which makes it even better to see someone I respect and can identify with, out there too. As I put myself and my illness out there, I now know I'm not alone thanks to this movie and every one's efforts... I know how hard it is to make a film like this and I applaud everyone involved!Feel free to check out my book if you are inclined, it is on Amazon titled Sixty Days to Sanity, A College Freshman's Struggle to Overcome Mental Illness...Pete B.Sixty Days to Sanity, A College Freshman's Struggle to Overcome Mental Illness