The Best Movies That Help Us Understand Mental Health and BFRBs
It’s truly shocking when you realize it—there isn’t a single mainstream movie or show that centers around skin picking.
As someone who has fully recovered from trichotillomania (hair pulling), I can honestly say skin picking has been much harder to let go of. It’s quieter, easier to hide, harder to name—and often even harder to explain. It’s one of the most invisible and misunderstood conditions we face today. Most people have never even heard of it, and if they have, the most common reaction is:“Why can’t you just stop?”
And that's exactly the kind of dismissive question that makes body-focused repetitive behaviors (BFRBs) so uniquely isolating. Our behaviors may be visible, but the reasons behind them—the anxiety, the compulsion, the relief, the shame—are deeply internal and rarely acknowledged in pop culture.
It’s time for that to change.
While Hollywood still hasn’t told a story that truly captures dermatillomania, we can take solace, validation, and even healing from films that shine light on similar mental health struggles—from OCD to body dysmorphia to trauma-induced behaviors. These films don’t all get it right, but many of them offer powerful glimpses into the complex inner world behind seemingly irrational or self-destructive actions. They remind us that mental illness is never about weakness—and that compassion, not judgment, is the only path toward recovery.
So until the day our stories are fully seen on screen (and that day is coming), here are some of the most poignant and powerful films about mental health and BFRB-adjacent struggles.
For Those Who Pull: Films That Highlight Trichotillomania
Young Adult (2011)
Charlize Theron’s character quietly pulls her hair out in this dark comedy. The moment is brief, but for those who know what it’s like to battle trich, it feels like a thunderclap. It’s one of the only depictions of hair pulling in a major film—and it’s deeply real.
The Internship (2013)
Another subtle nod—Dylan O’Brien’s character shows signs of trich, pulling at his eyebrows. Again, it’s never addressed outright, which can be frustrating, but for those watching closely, it’s a rare flash of representation.
Trichster (2016)
A must-watch documentary for anyone with BFRBs. This moving and beautifully human film explores the lives of young people living with trichotillomania. It gives us something Hollywood still hasn’t: visibility.
Say Yes to The Dress – Hair Pulling Episode
This bridal TV show has featured episodes where brides with trichotillomania discuss their concerns about how it impacts their appearance on their wedding day, especially regarding wearing a veil. Randy Fenoli, a consultant on the show, even created a unique veil for a bride with trichotillomania, something he said had never been done in the history of bridal on the show. This show provides a glimpse into the experiences of individuals with hair pulling as they navigate the emotional and practical aspects of planning their weddings. You can catch episodes of Say Yes to the Dress on Prime Video.
Mental Health, OCD & Related Disorders in Film
The Aviator (2004) – OCD
Leonardo DiCaprio’s portrayal of Howard Hughes is a haunting reminder of how overwhelming and debilitating obsessive-compulsive disorder can be. The hand-washing scenes are especially intense—and familiar to anyone who’s lived with compulsive rituals.
Toc Toc (2017) – OCD (Spanish Comedy)
This underrated Netflix gem gives a more lighthearted yet respectful take on OCD, showing various characters with unique compulsions who bond in a waiting room. It’s both touching and funny.
As Good As It Gets (1997) – OCD
Jack Nicholson’s character is difficult, sharp-tongued, and riddled with OCD. This film doesn’t sugarcoat the reality—but it also shows how love and empathy can soften even the harshest edges.
Matchstick Men (2003) – OCD
A con man with severe OCD tries to maintain control over his chaotic life. The film paints a compelling picture of the inner torment and high-functioning chaos of living with a compulsive disorder.
Dirty Filthy Love (2004) – OCD and Tourette’s
This lesser-known British film is a hidden gem. It deals honestly and tenderly with OCD and its intersections with relationships, shame, and identity. A deeply humanizing portrait.
Body Image, Addiction & the Invisible Wounds of Trauma
The Substance (2024) – Body Dysmorphia (Metaphor)
This surreal horror film offers a sharp critique of body obsession and perfectionism. It’s intense, gory, and symbolic—but it speaks volumes about the pressure to be perfect and what that does to our sense of self.
Don Jon (2013) – Porn Addiction & Compulsion
A surprisingly layered film about modern compulsions, instant gratification, and emotional emptiness. There’s a mirror here for anyone who’s ever used a behavior to numb something deeper.
Thanks for Sharing (2012) – Sex Addiction and Recovery
An ensemble film exploring the complexity of compulsive behaviors and the journey to healing. It reminds us that recovery is not linear—and shame thrives in silence.
Shame (2011) – Addiction, Isolation
Visceral and haunting, this film explores how trauma and isolation feed compulsive behaviors. It doesn’t offer answers, but it does offer recognition for anyone who’s been trapped by their own habits.
Girl, Interrupted (1999) – Borderline Personality, Depression & More
A classic film that unapologetically dives into the world of psychiatric hospitalization. The cast of young women each represents a different mental health struggle—and together, they offer a spectrum of pain, healing, and survival.
Blue Jasmine (2013) – Nervous Breakdown & Delusion
Cate Blanchett’s performance captures a woman unraveling under the weight of trauma and repression. It’s uncomfortable to watch—but sometimes, the truth is.
Honorable Mentions: Other Films That Touch the Soul
Inside Out (2015) – Emotional Health & IFS Therapy Themes
This animated film brilliantly captures the idea that all emotions have value—including sadness. For many, it’s the first introduction to Internal Family Systems (IFS), a powerful modality in healing emotional wounds.
The Crown / Netflix Diana Episode – Eating Disorder Representation
The show’s depiction of Princess Diana’s bulimia is honest and unflinching. It helps expose how trauma and control often lie beneath disordered eating—just as they do with BFRBs.
Good Will Hunting (1997) – Trauma & Repression
“It’s not your fault.” Enough said. This classic shows how love and therapy can begin to unearth even the most deeply buried pain.
Benny & Joon (1993) – Mental Illness, Romance, Creativity
A whimsical, tender love story between two neurodivergent characters. It’s old-school, but its charm and compassion still resonate.
Rain Man (1988) – Autism
While it centers on autism, the film’s deeper message is about connection, misunderstanding, and the patience needed to truly see another person.
In the Silence, We Find Ourselves
As people living with or recovering from BFRBs, we’re used to being overlooked. Sometimes, it feels like we’re watching the world from behind a glass wall—our pain invisible, our behaviors misunderstood.
But these stories remind us:
We are not alone.
We are not broken.
And we are not beyond understanding.
So while we wait for the first movie that says "this is skin picking, this is trich, this is real", let’s hold on to these stories that reflect our shadows. Let’s keep watching. Let’s keep sharing. Let’s keep speaking our truth—until the screen finally speaks it back to us.
Gaby Aziz is a Trauma Informed Coach, founder of healbfrbs.com, creator of The Dragonfly Journal, and a recovering skin picker and hair puller of over 25 years.