Directing a Change Mental Health Awareness Film Contest
By Mia Rotell
“There is so much stigma that surrounds mental health,” said Diana Gutierrez, an administrator with Riverside University Health System Behavioral Health. “Reducing the stigma allows people the chance to say, ‘I’m not OK.’”
Last Wednesday, the Fox Performing Arts Center in Riverside came to life with a lime green carpet and lime green lights shining on the stage. RUHS co-hosts the Directing a Change Film Contest every year alongside RUHS Public Health and the Riverside County Office of Education.
“There are a lot of people here who are available to help you,” Gutierrez said.
The stage displayed student-made films encouraging peers to reach out if they were struggling with mental health challenges or thoughts of suicide in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month, represented by lime green ribbons.
Participants submitted work from across Riverside County, ranging from middle school and high school students to students from the University of California, Riverside.
Participants were required to submit 30- to 60-second public service announcements about mental health awareness or suicide prevention.
“We need to give young people a voice to check in on their friends,” said Jana Sczersputowski, founder and executive director of Youth Creating Change. “Also, to create these safe spaces where they can speak up and reach out for help.”
The first part of the event showcased honorable mentions, while the second half announced finalists and winners in each category. Categories included depression and anxiety awareness, as well as mental health through a cultural lens.
High school sophomore Vivian Dassow and her partners, Erin Park and Jocelyn Harris, won the mental health category with their film, “Learning to Breathe Again.”
“We first started the film as a fun thing. We didn’t realize it would become such a great representation of our club and our school,” Vivian said.
She is part of the mental health club at her high school and created the film to spread mental health awareness.
“Some people think young people can’t really make a difference,” Vivian said. “I wanted to change that.”
To recognize Mental Health Awareness Month or make a change in the community, residents can check in on loved ones or paint encouraging messages on rocks and place them throughout their communities.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, call 951-686-HELP to connect with a Riverside mental health support line that can provide immediate assistance.
“These become really great films showing how you can ask for help,” Gutierrez said. “Asking for help is actually a strength, not a weakness.”
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