A haunting short film from Johnson & Johnson is reframing depression [Video]

In just over five minutes, Johnson & Johnson tackles the complicated nature of living with depression — both from the perspective of patients and caregivers — in a recently released short film. 

Breaking Depression: Out of the Maze presents the life of someone struggling with depression, and their caretaker, using a haunting metaphor. 

The partner with depression steps into the pantry of the couple’s home to retrieve spices for a dish they are making and then vanishes. 

Her caretaker frantically searches for her in a maze where each door opens into another room representing some aspect of their daily lives. 

In case the metaphor is lost on anyone, the video’s tagline makes it clear: “Severe depression can make you feel lost. Even as a caregiver.”

The drugmaker’s short film was developed by Edelman and launched as part of its work with the Global Alliance of Mental Illness Advocacy Network (GAMIAN) Europe and the European Federation of Associations of Families of People with Mental Illness (EUFAMI). 

Alexandra …