Partial disclosure: Every year, around the time the sun starts clocking out early, so do I.

My motivation dips, my moods shift, and I find myself reaching for something, anything, that feels warm, familiar, and mine. This fall, while I'm embracing my soft hustling and reimagining my productivity, I'm also reaching for comfort media to help me along the way.

Maybe you can relate.

Have you ever felt numb, tired, or isolated, especially when the summer ends and the weather grows colder? Not necessarily depressed, per se, but maybe you're just feeling anxious, down, or dreading being forced to drudge through the colder times of year.

Well, don't be alarmed, but it's possible that you could be dealing with seasonal depression. Obviously, this is something that requires a clinical diagnosis, but on the bright side, not everyone needs medication or even extensive counseling.

Sometimes, taking the time to focus on self-care by cutting down your workload, exercising, eating comfort foods, taking long baths, binge-watching your favorite shows or films, etc., can be an excellent way to keep your spirits lifted while your brain transitions into the winter months.

In fact, although many people minimize the benefits of lying around watching their favorite shows, comfort media is trending because so many people use it to support their mental health while dealing with issues such as anxiety and seasonal depression. This is not just because of nostalgia, but because you are allowing yourself to go on a ride mentally, without the stress of wondering what's happening and how it all ends.

As someone with very eclectic tastes, I believe comfort media comes in many forms. This year, I decided to go digging in the Black 90s movie classic crates, and I'm actually excited to get into this lineup. But more about that later.

WHAT IS COMFORT MEDIA? (AND WHY IT WORKS)

A 2024 longitudinal study found that seasonal changes, less movement, and increased time indoors strongly correlate with depressive symptoms.

~(Source: RADAR-MDD study)

For those who are yet unfamiliar, comfort media is anything you watch, rewatch, or vibe with because it makes you feel safe …even if the media itself is chaotic. In other words, it's not about plot; It's about presence.

Honestly, one look at the TikTok trends will tell you everything you need to know about the need for love and care across the board. Trends such as #ProbablyNeededAHug, "Cozy Girl Fall" vs. "Soft Black Fall," and even rewatch culture demonstrate that many are searching for comfort rather than excitement.

And this is definitely important to discuss given that September is Suicide Prevention Month.

THE MENTAL HEALTH GAP FOR BLACK COMMUNITIES

Moreover, as a member of the Black community, I think it's high time that we took our collective mental health more seriously. Indeed, it's a well-known fact that our community has a lot of distrust in the medical system, which often hinders us from getting the mental health care many need.

Key Stats to Consider:

So, no matter if you "believe in mental health" or not, these stats demonstrate why we end up self-soothing with things that look like care. Sometimes that means therapy, and sometimes it means rewatching Waiting to Exhale until you feel like breathing again.

I'm not judging you either way.

THE BLACK 90s MOVIE BLITZ: A PINKY TOE SPLASH

This is why I decided to do the Fall Black 90s Movie Blitz! Although I originally was doing deep dives on Substack only, I decided to bring the quick dips to Medium so you guys can join in the fun as well!

Now, let me be transparent, I have a LOT going on both personally and professionally, so this list is a loose framework that I will try my darndest to stick to. Also, I will try to drop the deep dives by Friday of each week.

Here's the breakdown:

  • One movie a week
  • Short takes on Medium = Quick Dip
  • Full Deep Dives on Substack
  • Starting Sept 22, running through Thanksgiving
  • Titles include: The Players Club, Boomerang, Set It Off, Poetic Justice, Waiting to Exhale, and a bonus Halloween pick: Vampire in Brooklyn 🎃

So, I won't be doing deep film critiques here. I'm just splashing a pinky toe into these movies to see how they hold me now, as a grown Black woman with more feelings and fewer distractions.

And honestly, some of these films I haven't seen in years, and in the case of the bonus pick, Vampire in Brooklyn, I have actually never seen (I know, but I'm keeping my Black card anyway), so I'm super excited.

The Players Club, in particular, is a long-time fave that I just rediscovered recently. It's one of my fave retro movies of the moment because it provides me with a sense of nostalgia, has one of the late, great Bernie Mack's funniest film performances ever, it was Lisa Raye's big debut (and she ate!), it's sexy and violent (without taking it to the extreme) plus it features a young Jamie Foxx, Ice Cube was the main hater in his own film I mean, addressing unrealistic expectations of Black women, toxic parenting, and let's not even mention all the fire quotables! What's not to love?!

SUBSTACK BONUS: WATCHING WITH ME = GOODIES

My Substack is like my new home base. It gets messy over there, but I love it. So, subscribing will give you access to more than just deep dives; we're talking meme packs & spicy hot takes, full sociological deep dives, exclusive discounts on custom movie merch (Printify drop incoming!), reflective journal prompts + bonus essays, bonus curated Amazon idea lists, and more.

LINKS + AFFILIATE PLUGS

If you're anxious, depressed, lonely, hate the fall/winter, or just love classic Black 90s films, you will definitely want to join us on Substack! Now, we'll still be doing some pre-gaming on Medium, so you don't have to migrate in order to participate, but it is highly recommended.

Ready to roll? Here are all the links you need:

  • Movie List (Streaming)- Ready to watch right now? I compiled all the movies for you. Shop here!
  • Movie List (DVDs)- Prefer physical copies of film? I got you covered. Shop now!
  • Movie Essentials- Don't forget to grab your popcorn, furry blanket, slippers, etc.; let's get comfy! Shop now!
  • Substack Link- Don't forget to subscribe to Trash & Theory to access all the deep dives and extras!

BOTTOM LINE

We don't always get the support we need, but we can still find the comfort we deserve.

The Fall Black movie Blitz isn't just about nostalgia; it's memory work and survival through story.

Not only that, but watching old films with fresh eyes can be incredibly eye-opening. We're not just digging in the crates for entertainment; we're unpacking the messages we internalized when we were too young to understand the implications, which is a whole 'nother level of healing entirely.

Of course, I'd love for you to join us, but if these movies don't tickle your fancy, create your own and drop the list below! Either way, the retro train is leaving the station, so hop aboard or get left behind!

First up: The Players Club. Bring your snacks, your fuzzy socks, and your feelings.

We're pressing play on healing, one VHS tape at a time.

What are your favorite comfort media movies?

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