Angst: Raising Awareness Around Anxiety

Angst is a 56-minute film and virtual reality experience that explores anxiety, its causes, effects and what we can do about it. The filmmakers’ goal is to have a global conversation and raise awareness around anxiety. Angst features candid interviews with kids and young adults who suffer, or have suffered, from anxiety and what they’ve learned about it.  The film includes discussions with mental health experts about the causes of anxiety and its sociological effects, as well as help, resources and tools. It also has a special interview with Olympian and mental health advocate Michael Phelps to raise awareness about anxiety, to share the stories of those who it impacts, and to help find solutions.

What did you think of “Angst”? We are thrilled with such a great turnout last night! Let’s continue the conversation! McLean area elementary teacher and mom Maria Pike shared this:
Tonight I had the pleasure of attending a screening of “Angst” put on by the Safe Community Coalition…Here are some of the big takeaways for me from the film and panel conversation:
  1. Anxiety disorders are treatable.
  2. Neuroplasticity of the brain is real. You can change the way you think about something.
  3. NAME IT TO TAME IT! Openly discuss exactly what you are feeling in order to bring down your anxiety.
  4. Parent modeling is SO important!! Tell your children when you are feeling anxiety/shame/fear and let them know that you are human too! Discuss ways that you manage your own anxiety.
  5. Exercise (!!!) and sleep (!!!!!) are so important for teenagers to help manage their angst.
Thanks, Maria! And thank you to Peggy Fox for moderating our panel. And thanks to our panelists McLean therapists Jennifer Weaver and Dr. Adrian Brown, McLean HS School Psychologist Beth Werfel and School Social Worker Marly Jerome-Featherson, and Kent Gardens ES School Psychologist Kayla Callister! Thank you to McLean High School and the PTSA for co-hosting with us! We’re hearing that other high schools will be showing it and hope that we have helped pave the way a bit.