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.

Youth Collaboratory's Virtual Screening

In September 2022, during a FREE 2.5-hour virtual event, Youth Collaboratory hosted a:

• 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 was 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 successful event hosted the maximum of 250 attendees.