Screening of documentary on teen anxiety now set for March 23

UPDATE: Due to the March 21 snowstorm, the event noted below has been rescheduled for Friday, March 23, from 7 to 9 p.m.

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Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center and the We Matter Coalition will hold a special screening of the documentary “Angst: Raising Awareness Around Anxiety” to open up a dialogue between local families, community leaders and experts. The event will take place on Wednesday, March 21 during Teen Health Week at Hershey Medical Center and will feature a viewing of the 56-minute film, followed by an informative panel discussion featuring members of the education, faith and health care communities. The discussion will be led by Dr. Erika Saunders, Shively-Tan Professor and chair of psychiatry, at Hershey Medical Center and Penn State College of Medicine. Teen Health Week is a global health initiative that seeks to increase recognition of the unique health issues facing teens and increase engagement of teens in their own health decisions.

We Matter is a grassroots group of concerned citizens that came together after several children in south central Pennsylvania died due to suicide and drug overdose.

Free tickets are now available, although space is limited. The screening will be held in Junker Auditorium (HG316) from 7 to 9 p.m. Reserve tickets here: https://angst-hersheymedical-wematter.eventbrite.com

Through candid interviews, ”Angst” tells the stories of many young children 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 an interview with mental health advocate and renowned athlete Michael Phelps. The documentary explores the causes of anxiety and its sociological effects through discussions with mental health experts, and highlights the resources and tools available to address the condition. Everyone involved in the development of “Angst” has a personal experience with anxiety – from the producers to the interviewees.

“Angst” documents the struggles some people have with anxiety while also revealing their hope for the future. The film has been applauded for 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.

“By hearing the experiences of others struggling with anxiety, and – most importantly –hearing about the condition can be treated, we hope to reduce the stigma for teens and young adults who have anxiety that interferes with day-to-day life. By partnering with We Matter, we want to improve awareness in our community that anxiety can be successfully treated and that mental health is vitally important,” Saunders said.

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