Bipolarized

Through one’s man journey to heal his bipolar disorder symptoms, Bipolarized explores the growing prevalence of overdiagnosing and overmedicating mental illness.

Diagnosed with bipolar disorder, Ross McKenzie’s psychiatrist told him that he would have to take lithium to control his symptoms for the rest of his life. To Ross, taking the drug daily felt like a chemical lobotomy, leaving him in a foggy, drug-induced haze. Ross ultimately decided to resolve his symptoms outside of conventional medicine. What ensued was a fifteen-year exploration into alternative treatments. This film takes us through Ross McKenzie’s journey and will also tell a larger story about medication.

Credits

Director Rita Kotzia
For ShawMedia

film site
    • ‘Special Jury Award’ in Worldfest Houston International Film Festival
    • Best Feature Film at Mad in America’s International Film Festival
    • Canadian Screen Award Best Editing