BPS101 to Screen Documentary That Raises Awareness About Teen Anxiety
On Wed., Jan. 23, 2019, at 6:30 p.m., Batavia Public School District 101 will hold a special screening of the IndieFlix documentary “Angst: Raising Awareness Around Anxiety” at the Batavia Fine Arts Centre (located within Batavia High School) to open up a dialogue on the important topic between families, community leaders, and experts. Suggested for ages 10 and up, this free community event will feature a viewing of the 56-minute film, followed by an informative panel discussion with special guests in the mental health care field.
► Reserve your seats to “Angst: Raising Awareness Around Anxiety”
Through candid interviews and the power of film, “Angst” producers Scilla Andreen and Karin Gornick tell the stories of kids and teens and the impact anxiety has had on their lives and relationships—and how they’ve found solutions and hope. The film includes an interview with Michael Phelps, Olympic athlete and mental health advocate. In addition, the documentary provides discussions with mental health experts about the causes of anxiety and its sociological effects, along with the help, resources, and tools available to address the condition.
“We felt it was important to make a movie that could raise awareness to open up the conversation and provide hope,” said Ms. Andreen. “So many people struggle with anxiety and have trouble talking about it. We want to change that.”
“Part of the beauty of this film is the openness of the children and young adults featured; for some of them, the ‘Angst’ project marks the first time they are publicly sharing their experiences with anxiety. Our hope is that their candor and bravery will inspire our community to do the same,” said Erin Hack, BHS school counselor.
While “Angst” documents the struggles some people have with anxiety, it also reveals their hope for the future. Noah, a teenager in the film, describes it this way: “Anxiety doesn’t define me. It’s not just a curse; it also gives me strength.”
“Everybody needs to know that anxiety disorders are real, common, and treatable instead of viewing them as a personal choice or something to be ashamed of,” said Dr. Jerry Bubrick, senior director of the Anxiety Disorders Center, Child Mind Institute. “Getting help early is crucial in giving people the tools they need to feel better. We just need to start the conversation.”
According to the World Health Organization, anxiety disorders are the most common mental health challenge in the United States impacting 54 percent of females and 46 percent of males, with age seven being the median age of onset. While anxiety disorders are highly treatable, only one-third of those suffering receive treatment. Everyone involved in the development of “Angst” has a personal experience with anxiety—from the producers to the interviewees.
“The conversation surrounding mental health really hits home for me,” said Michael Phelps. “Many people don’t understand how debilitating mental illness truly can be, and even more than that, how common it is, yet people are afraid to have the serious discussions about it. I welcomed the opportunity to be a part of ‘Angst’ to further the dialogue around mental health and to help people understand the impact anxiety has on our mental state and encourage people, especially kids, to ask for help.”
For more information about this documentary, visit https://angstmovie.com.
