Hiding in Plain Sight: Youth Mental Illness

Mental illness is a significant global health crisis, but it often exists in secret and is endured in isolation. There are people struggling with mental illness all over the world: in remote rural communities, small towns, and major cities; in schools, the workplace, and in our homes. 50% of all mental illness has its first signs and symptoms by age 14 and 75% of all mental illness have first signs and symptoms by age 24 (NAMI). Left untreated, it can lead to addiction, homelessness, prison, or even death.

While conversations around mental health are rising in public consciousness, they often reach a mile wide and an inch deep. Our communities talk about this often in the aftermath of a crisis or a violent attack; we talk about it when seemingly erratic behavior frightens or scares us. To shift the conversation at the local, national, and global level, direct, curious, and nonjudgmental conversation is needed. We need to dive deeper while centering the experiences of young people. 

Hiding in Plain Sight: Youth Mental Illness features first-person accounts from more than 20 young people, ranging in age from 11 to 27, who live with mental health conditions, as well as parents, teachers, friends, healthcare providers in their lives, and independent mental health experts. Through the experiences of these young people, the film confronts the issues of stigma, discrimination, awareness, and silence, and, in doing so, helps advance a shift in the public perception of mental health concerns today.

Join Youth Collaboratory for a Virtual Screening

Saturday, September 24, 2022 from 5:00 - 7:30 PM ET

During this FREE 2.5-hour virtual event, Youth Collaboratory will host: 

• facilitated dialogue to explore the role of mental health in our communities, 
• a 60-minute film screening from Hiding in Plain Sight: Youth Mental Illness, and 
• a panel conversation with producers and young people from the documentary. 

Mental health is a deeply personal experience and everyone will be invited to share from their lived expertise and learn from other attendees while reflecting on several community building questions, including:

• How is mental health impacted by the environment in which someone grows up?
• What is the impact of mental health in your community? Or how has your community been impacted by mental health challenges?
• How can we support BIPOC youth mental health in the wake of racial violence? Queer youth in the wake of homophobic violence?

This event has reached capacity and registration is now closed.

There is no cost for registration. To prioritize engagement, space will be limited for this Virtual Screening. Attendance will be limited to 250 attendees on a first-come, first-served basis.

If you have any questions about this event, please contact our Virtual Meeting Manager at benita@youthcollaboratory.org.