Documentary: “Angst: Raising Awareness about Anxiety”

Following high community interest in this documentary when it was shown at the recent Day of Recovery at Wilton Presbyterian Church in November 2019, church officials have arranged a second showing of the film, Angst: Raising Awareness Around Anxiety, which was created to start community conversations about anxiety and to provide tools, resources and hope.

On Sunday, Jan. 26, Wilton Presbyterian Church will hold a special screening of the documentary in our church Lounge to open up a dialogue between local families, community leaders and experts. The event will feature a viewing of the 56-minute film, followed by an informative discussion led by several area therapists/mental health professionals.

The producers 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 Olympic swimmer 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.

“Part of the beauty of this film is the openness of the children and young adults featured; for some of them, the Angst project marks the first time they are publicly sharing their experiences with anxiety. Our hope is that their candidness and bravery will inspire our community to do the same,” says Rev. Shannon White of WPC. The film is appropriate for ages 6th grade through adult.

While “Angst” documents the struggles some people have with anxiety, it also reveals their hope for the future. Noah, a teenager in the film, describes it this way:  “Anxiety doesn’t define me. It’s not just a curse; it also gives me strength.”

“Everybody needs to know that anxiety disorders are real, common and treatable instead of viewing them as a personal choice or something to be ashamed of,” said Dr. Jerry Bubrick, senior director of the Anxiety Disorders Center, Child Mind Institute. “Getting help early is crucial in giving people the tools they need to feel better. We just need to start the conversation.”

Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health challenge in the U.S., impacting 54% of females and 46% of males, with age seven being the median age of onset, according to the World Health Organization. While anxiety disorders are highly treatable, only one-third of those suffering receive treatment. Everyone involved in the development of “Angst” has a personal experience with anxiety–from the producers to the interviewees.

“The conversation surrounding mental health really hits home for me,” said the well-known athlete Phelps. “Many people don’t understand how debilitating mental illness truly can be, and even more than that, how common it is, yet people are afraid to have the serious discussions about it. 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.”

This film and reception is funded by a grant from the Presbyterian Church, Mental Health Ministries. The grant was given to Wilton Presbyterian Church last year and also funded the Day of Recovery last November.

Free tickets are now available and space is limited! The screening will be held at Wilton Presbyterian Church at 11:30 a.m. on Jan. 26. Tickets can be reserved online.

Contact Shannon White via email with any questions.