Did you know that 1 in 4 people have a connection with mental illness? In a desire to open up the conversation about anxiety, a film called Angst will be shown at the Vashon Presbyterian Church on Saturday, May 18th at 9am. This will be free of charge. It is felt this is a film everyone should see whether or not anxiety is a part of one’s experience. As noted above, it is rampant in our society and many are walking next to us daily experiencing anxiety.
“Angst is a powerful and positive message for students, teachers and parents. The genuine and authentic comments from the young people as well as the professionals in the movie really resonated with our students and our teachers. Not only does ANGST name the many faces of anxiety, and offer tools for taming anxiety, it helps the audience understand that it is OK, we’re not alone, and we can change the narrative with the right supports. This movie needs to be seen by educators and parents so we can help our young people face their fears, and by all young people so they begin understand how to calm their fears, face their anxiety and thrive in life. “ .
Heather Highet, Principal
Bayridge Secondary School
Kingston, ON
“Angst is the most important, eye-opening documentary you will see this year. Through first-hand accounts and expert commentary, the film leads you with great care through the many facets of teen anxiety, a massive, misunderstood and rapidly growing cultural epidemic. The teenagers in the film describe their suffering with stunning openness, grace and courage. I found myself reacting on two fronts. As a clinician, I was relieved that the filmmakers were able to capture what so many of my young clients are suffering in these complicated days: the bullying, perfectionism, panic, obsession, and too often, hopelessness.
I was also surprised at the degree to which the film felt cathartic for me personally. I suffered significant anxiety as a teen, and felt myself moved by, and grateful for, every story. And thankfully, the film ends with the notes of hope we so desperately need. Whether you are a teenager, parent, educator or a mental health professional, you simply need to see this movie, and soon. And every school needs to screen this film. It’s that important.
- Dr. John Duffy
Clinical psychologist, best-selling author of “The Available Parent”, parenting and relationship
media expert
The film features children and young adults and how anxiety manifests itself in them. Perhaps you are thinking that you don’t have children, so it’s not something you want to see. EVERYONE in the community interacts with children in some way; whether you are a teacher, a checker at the grocery store, a clinic worker, a librarian, a neighbor, clergy, relative. We all need to get on board, so that we can respond with kindness and appropriate actions with children and adults experiencing anxiety and mental illness.
There will be time for discussion following the viewing of the movie. Light refreshments will be provided.