The North Penn School District (NPSD) will hold a special screening of the documentary Angst at Penndale Middle School in the Auditorium on Monday, April 1 at 6:30 pm to open up a dialogue between local families, community leaders and experts about anxiety.
This free event is open to the public (audience suggestion of grade six and higher) and was graciously funded by NPSD Educational Foundation. The program will feature a viewing of the 56-minute film, followed by an informative discussion, led by North Penn High School (NPHS) Guidance Department Chair Dr. Nicole Yetter and NPHS Guidance Counselor Mrs. Trish Pike, as well as outside partners including:
- Jill Adams - Executive Director of Adolescent Services
- Beth Cusack, LPC- Program Coordinator Lead Clinician: The Light Program Adolescent Partial Hospitalization
- Hunter Robbins - Community Liaison and Trainer for Mobile Crisis
- Charlene Artillio, LPC - Student Assistance Program Director Merakey
- Abby Grasso- NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness
- Ellyn Strauss-Director of Business Development: Brooke Glen
Angst producers Scilla Andreen and Karin Gornick have one goal: to start a global conversation and raise awareness around anxiety. Through candid interviews, they utilize the power of film to tell the stories of many kids and teens who discuss their anxiety and its impacts on their lives and relationships, as well as how they' ve found solutions and hope. The film also includes a special interview with Michael Phelps, a mental health advocate and one of the greatest athletes of all-time. In addition, the documentary provides discussions with mental health experts about the causes of anxiety and its sociological effects, along with the help, resources and tools available to address the condition.
Angst captures what so many people are suffering in these complicated days: the peer pressures, feelings of inadequacy, the rejection, social media, the pressures of school, perfectionism, panic, obsession, and too often, hopelessness. Angst is cathartic and ends with notes of hope. It is inspiring and gives all of our students a voice, so they do not need to suffer in silence.
In addition to the evening presentation, Angst will be shown to all NPSD students in grades seven through 12 with follow-up activities during the week of April 1 through 5, 2019.
Together, we can break the silence surrounding mental health and make the difference for our children and our community.
For more information, please contact Dr. Nicole Yetter by email at [email protected].