In an effort to get ‘Below the Surface’ of youth mental health struggles, an online screening of Ken Burns’ “Hiding in Plain Sight” documentary is planned followed by a panel discussion with area youth on Thursday, Oct. 27th from 7-8 PM.

“Hiding in Plain Sight” features first-person accounts from young people, ranging in age from 11 to 27, who live with mental health conditions, as well as parents, teachers, friends, healthcare providers, and mental health experts. The film presents an unvarnished window into daily life with mental health challenges, from seemingly insurmountable obstacles to stories of hope and resilience. After the film, youth panelists Sabrina Rubenstein, Emma Elderkin, and Ryan Estus will share their reactions to the film as well as information about a provocative new youth mental health campaign designed to encourage youth to seek help if they are struggling.

‘Below the Surface’ is a campaign, made by youth for youth, that addresses the feelings and stressors that youth often face. Campaign messaging is designed to describe how fine the line can sometimes be between being “OK” and “not OK.” Sometimes on the surface a youth may appear to be OK and look like they are doing great, but their true feelings can be quite the opposite and pressure or a crisis may be bubbling just below the surface. The campaign seeks to reassure young people that it’s OK to ask for help, no one dealing with a mental health or substance use challenge is alone, and regardless of how big or small the challenge is, there are trustworthy resources to turn to at charihoyouth.org/mh.

The ‘Below the Surface’ mental health awareness campaign is a collaborative effort of the Chariho Youth Task Force, Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds Washington County, the Chris Collins Foundation, and the Washington County Coalition for Children.

To register for the film screening and discussion event, go to: https://bit.ly/3RIy8OK