A global conversation about youth mental health
“People need to know that most kids our age are not fine.”
There is a youth mental health crisis around the globe as we see an increase in youth anxiety, depression and suicide. The numbers are climbing and suicide is the number one health-related cause of death for young people.
In an effort to break the stigma and shame around youth talking about their mental health struggles, the microphone has been passed to the youth. We aren’t telling young people about mental health — we are listening to their stories. We are hearing directly from them how they are feeling and where they have struggled. What do they need from us to support them on this challenging journey?
Connecting the Dots is the first feature documentary of its kind that gives a raw and intimate look at youth mental health from the voices of young people. A group of incredible youth have stepped forward to share their truth in an effort to break down the barriers that surround youth mental health.
“Connecting the Dots’ mission is to reveal what we can do as a society to change this trend while generating awareness, provoking changes and most importantly, offering a voice to young people,” says Noemi Weis, the Canadian Director of Connecting the Dots. Weis says the film explores why we face a population of young people feeling anxious, depressed, and too often ending their own lives.
Prevention is key
Some Other Solutions is using this important film to help start a dialogue in the Fort McMurray community and surrounding areas. The Society for Crisis Prevention has partnered with Connecting the Dots to offer a virtual screening and youth round table.
The virtual screening will take place May 5 at 7 pm. Tickets are $5/household and all proceeds will go directly to supporting mental health programming at Some Other Solutions.
Immediately following the screening, we will hear from local youth in our community on their thoughts on the film and their personal journey with mental health.