Teenage mental health documentary

[Gem73]

Hello

I am a mother of a blended family, with two children and a stepson. My stepson was the victim of a brutal assault just before his 13th birthday by a 16yr old. The attack resulted in hospitalisation.

The consequence of this has been profound. Shortly after the assault, my step-son started hanging out with older people, as a way to feel protected when out. He was introduced to cannabis, and from there he spiralled downwards. The impact of which resulted in him experiencing daily audio and visual hallucinations.

As way of dealing with this experience, my partner and I started writing. It was a cathartic way to document what we, as a family, were going through and what my step-son was experiencing and fighting, daily.

This writing has resulted in a documentary film that is currently in pre-production. We have been lucky enough to put together an excellent crew, all of whom have offered their time and expertise for free.

As the parent of a teenager with mental health issues, this documentary film has been written to give insight through the personal story of a family and their struggle in navigating daily life.

It documents the love and strategies used to support a teenage child who is living daily with audio and visual hallucinations and symptoms of depersonalisation. It documents the difficulties faced in navigating an underfunded system.

In out experience we have found that both statutory services and charities have been incredibly stretched. Navigating the system for getting help has been a stressful time, where we have sometimes felt like we have been passed from pillar to post.

Our intention and hope is that that through the telling of our story, it will offer support to other families living with teenage trauma; and sign posting them to charities and statutory organisations that may be able to help.

This film is not for profit and will be made readily available for any person, charity, organisation wishing to see it.

The purpose of my message is to reach out and establish if other parents would find such a film useful and gauge the interest for such a project.

I would be extremely grateful for your feedback.

[Testingtwo]

Sorry for what you've gone through.

I would definitely watch it.

[GoneToday]

I’m torn because it is important to highlight issues and spread awareness I feel that very vulnerable teenagers can’t fully consent to being filmed and the implications this will have on the rest of their life.
As a former very traumatised teenager who has gone on to have a ‘successful’ career and decent life I would hate to have recordings of my teenage years following me round.

[Gem73]

We have given this a lot of consideration and had the same conclusion.

Consequently the viewer is advised at the beginning of the film that to ensure anonymity, all names have been changed and the people within the documentary are actors. The story however is a true account.

I hope that helps with your concerns.

[Gem73]

Thank you

[GoneToday]

Oh yes if it is acted and anonymous then that is fine. Sounds really interesting. Are you going to post a link?

[Gem73]

We're currently working on a proof of concept trailer, which we intend to send to charities. Once this is completed, we will go into casting. Filming will start later this year.

I'd be happy to post the concept trailer once it is completed.

[1mum2boys]

I would watch your documentary as I am
going through a similar situation. I would also recommend it to my son as he still
struggles with depression, self harming and possibly drug abuse.