Movies of the Mind - It's Kind of a Funny Story - Teen Trauma Given Comical Touch - 10/09/26

Sep, 10 2026

Film titles occasionally have misleading titles, take the 2010 American comedy drama film – ‘It’s Kind of a Funny Story’ written and directed by Anna Boden and Ryan fleck, an adaptation of Ned Vizzini’s 2006 novel.

Although the title sounds promising and comical in parts it deals with serious subject matter, such as contemplating suicide, depression in teenagers and a psychiatric unit.

The following trailer gives us a glimpse into the film –

Although the film makes light of a young person’s stay in a psychiatric hospital this is actually a common concern and is on the rise. Why? There is so much pressure these days on young people, whether to conform at school, do well at exams, find a relationship or the environment all around them.

There is however support both for young people and their parents. Parents will of course be worried about their child growing into adulthood and their lived experiences will shape them and they too may feel anxious especially if a loved one dies which could be the grandparent of the young person.

A young person can meet up with a professional clinician and share their struggles. They may find it hard to navigate their way around the building at first but over time their confidence will grow and they may even find themselves being pro-active for a mental health charity.

Take a look at this short film covering NHS Blackpool  Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service for 5 – 18 years –

The world we live in is designed to make us feel anxious so it’s no surprise that young people are affected this way. A carefully thought out plan and a way to move forward can help a young person find direction and purpose in life. This, in turn will heal their mental health and help them adapt to a changing world.

The following website link will take you to some useful support and contacts if you’re the parent of a young person or you are the young person taking the initiative to get support –

https://www.mind.org.uk/for-young-people/how-to-get-help-and-support/useful-contacts/

At the time of its release the 2010 film had mixed reviews, one critic had the following to say,

 "It's amiable, and it does a surprisingly good job of sidestepping psych ward comedy clichés, but given its talented cast and directors, It's Kind of a Funny Story should be more than just mildly entertaining."

It may present an inaccurate depiction of a psychiatric unit but it does highlight a young person’s struggles in life, the people he meets and the relationships he encounters. Although it glosses over the serious stuff young people can and will relate to it. The humour element maybe prevalent but ‘It’s Kind of a Funny Story’ is a film made and for young people.

If you’ve ever been in a psychiatric unit you’ll know it’s not a funny experience. In fact it can be intimidating. If you’re a young person and you’re experiencing mental health struggles for the first time then a stay at a hospital can be an inevitable thing. However, you will meet people that will help you move on and you will regain a sense of balance and normalcy once you are discharged. Don’t see it as a prison sentence, see it as a time to grow, change and find maturity amongst the chaos of life.

^Alex Ashworth Director of Creativity