BY KAREN BOSSICK
Everyone experiences a case of the nerves, anxiety, worry and stress.
But some experience those things on a whole other level. They may go beyond being stressed about a new job to spending hours debating what to wear that first day on the job. They may forgo that trip to Twin Falls because they would have to spend two hours plotting their route and where to park.
Such anxiety is treatable—but first people have to talk about it.
That’s the idea behind IndieFlix Foundation’s new documentary, “Angst: Raising Awareness Around Anxiety,” which will be screened free of charge at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 15, at the Community School Theatre.
The 56-minute film—appropriate for ages 10 and older-- explores anxiety, its causes, effects and what the anxious can do about it.
It will be followed by a panel discussion led by local mental health professionals, educators and school counselors.
The film features interviews with kids and young adults who suffer or have suffered from it. And it features discussions with mental health experts about the causes and its sociological effects and resources.
Among those who took part is Olympics’ most decorated swimmer--Michael Phelps. Phelps has recently opened up about his struggles with anxiety and depression, saying that at one point “I didn’t want to be alive anymore.”
“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,” he said.
Executive Producer Scilla Andreen is the CEO and Co-Founder of IndieFlix and an award-winning producer of such films as “Screenagers Growing Up in a Digital Age.” Her Co-Producer is Karin Gornick, a two-time Emmy Award winner who has created projects for CNN, The Travel Channel and Common Sense Media.
Director Matt Skerritt is a Seattle-based filmmaker known for creating story-driven videos with an edge. And Co-Director Stephanie Riggs has worked with Intel, Disney, HBO, Netflix and others.