As part of an ongoing series of events focusing on student mental health and well-being, theIndieFlix original film “Angst: Raising Awareness Around Anxiety” will be shown at a free screening on March 5th at 6:30pm at the Dexter High School Center for Performing Arts, located at 2200 N. Parker Rd. Dexter MI 48130. Dexter Community Schools, with the generous support of the Education Foundation of Dexter, will hold a free screening of this 56-minute film followed by an informal discussion.
Through candid interviews, Angst tells the stories of students who discuss their anxiety and its impacts on their lives and relationships, as well as how they’ve found solutions and hope. The film also includes a special interview with swimmer Michael Phelps, a mental health advocate and one of the most accomplished athletes of all time. The documentary also includes discussions with mental health experts about the causes of anxiety and its sociological effects, along with resources and tools available to address the condition.
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. The producers hope that these subjects’ candidness and bravery will inspire our community to do the same. While “Angst” documents the struggles some people have with anxiety, it also reveals their hope for the future.
“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.”
According to the World Health Organization, anxiety disorders are the most common mental health challenge in the U.S., 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.”
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For further information, please contact
Dexter Community Schools Superintendent Christopher Timmis
timmisc@dexterschools.org 734-424-4101
