Crazywise

Crazywise is a documentary film released in 2016 that explores the relationship between mental illness and spiritual awakening. The film covers a range of mental health disorders, including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and depression, and how these conditions can be perceived as transformative experiences rather than purely pathological.

The film features interviews with a range of experts in the field of mental health, including Dr. Gabor Mate, a renowned physician and addiction specialist, and Dr. Stanislav Grof, a pioneer in the field of transpersonal psychology. The film also features interviews with individuals who have experienced mental health issues and have found ways to integrate these experiences into their lives in a positive and transformative way.

While the film does not focus on psychedelic substances per se, it does touch on the use of certain substances, such as ayahuasca and psilocybin, in indigenous spiritual practices and how these experiences can inform our understanding of mental illness.

The documentary also explores the limitations of the Western medical model in treating mental health issues and the need for a more holistic approach that recognizes the spiritual dimensions of mental health. Overall, “Crazywise” provides a thought-provoking perspective on the complex relationship between mental health and spirituality, and the potential for transformative experiences to lead to healing and growth.

Published: 2016

Type: Documentary

Director(s): Phil Borges, Kevin Tomlinson

Runtime: 1h22m

People

Gabor Maté


Stanislav Grof
Stanislav (Stan) Grof, M.D. has over sixty years of experience as a psychiatrist and researcher. He is one of the founders of transpersonal psychology. Holotropic breathwork also originated with him.