Health Care and Rehabilitation Services (HCRS), southeastern Vermont's non-profit community mental-health agency, will host a free special screening of Angst: Raising Awareness Around Anxiety as part of Children's Mental Health Awareness Week, followed by a panel discussion.
The 56-minute documentary has sparked global conversation about anxiety through its candid interviews with youth, perspectives of experts, and tips, tricks, and strategies to help reset thinking patterns.
The film also highlights how anyone can be touched by - and overcome - anxiety through an interview with mental health advocate Michael Phelps, the most decorated athlete in Olympic history.
“The conversation surrounding mental health really hits home for me,” Phelps said in a news release. “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 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,” Phelps continued.
For some of the children and young adults featured, the film marks the first time they are publicly sharing their experiences with anxiety.
“Anxiety doesn't define me,” said Noah, a teenager featured in the film. “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 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.”