Franklin High Students Recognized Mental Health Achievements

The Directing Change Program & Film Contest announced the regional finalists in the ninth annual student contest encouraging young people to create short films and art projects about suicide prevention and mental health. Students at Franklin High School are among the regional finalists being recognized for artistic achievements in mental health and suicide prevention.

The contest is part of statewide suicide prevention and mental health efforts administered by the California Mental Health Services Authority. The program’s newest category “Hope and Justice” encourages young people to express how the cope during tough times and find the hope to continue moving forward.

“As our youth lived through one historic event after another this year, we saw mental health levels decline in the midst of global health and social events. Directing Change supported youth with learning resources focused on healthy coping and self-care, and by providing an outlet for creative expression,” said Shanti Bond Martinez, Senior Program Manager.

Bond Martinez continued: “Our youth filmmakers created inspiring, educational films helped them to stay hopeful and reminded their peers they are not alone. Their determination to create despite all they endured shows how truly resilient they are. This flexibility and strength will no doubt benefit them as they manage through grief, loss, uncertainty and the transition to a changed post-pandemic world.”

The pandemic exacerbated many risk factors for suicide, and eroded protective factors by isolating children and youth from social and environmental support systems. This increased the need to focus on supporting these young individuals through prevention and early intervention efforts. Programs like Directing Change raise mental health awareness and empower youth to have difficult conversations, look for mental health warning signs, and know when and where to get help.

Research shows that the program is making a positive impact. A study conducted by the National Opinion Research Center (NORC) at the University of Chicago found that participants had higher awareness levels of suicide warning signs and where to find help compared with non-participants. The study concluded that Directing Change is effective at increasing knowledge and skills as well as changing attitudes and behaviors related to mental illness and suicide prevention. Furthermore, teachers at participating high schools reported a positive impact on school climate and an increase in student’s willingness to talk about important health topics.

Students statewide submitted 974 film entries created by 1,817 youth from 136 schools and community-based organizations representing 23 counties and Tri-city. Winners will be announced at a virtual ceremony on Facebook Live on May 18 at 7 p.m. (https://www.facebook.com/DirectingChangeCA/)

Region 5 Suicide Prevention Finalists from Sacramento County

First Place: “Unrecognizable Thoughts” (Advancing to statewide round of judging)
Sacramento County
Franklin High School
Filmmaker: Lucas Chinchiolo
Advisor: Brad Clark
Link: https://vimeo.com/517429872

Region 5 Mental Health Finalists from Sacramento County

Second Place: “Courage” (Team Pick- Advancing to statewide round of judging)
Sacramento County
Franklin High School
Filmmaker: Allison Labucay
Advisor: Brad Clark
Link: https://vimeo.com/517437659

“The subject matter of this PSA is very personal to me. I was experiencing feelings of isolation and hopelessness, as a result of quarantine. My mental health was at rock bottom, but everything changed when a friend reached out to me. Previously, I felt that my issues were too personal, and I believed that I was a burden on others. I was afraid to reach out because I didn't want to hurt my loved ones. When my friend reached out to me, I learned that it was ok to reach out. Actually, I learned that reaching out to a friend was uplifting. My friend gave me the courage to seek help and face the world again. This small act of kindness meant so much to me, and I wanted to portray this feeling in my PSA”.

Animated Finalists from Sacramento County

* First Place: “Trapped” (Recognized at Award Ceremony)
Sacramento County
Franklin High School
Filmmaker: Jaxon Ruiz
Advisor: Brad Clark
Link: https://vimeo.com/514001887

“I chose this category out of an interest in animation, and this topic from personal experience with depression and suicidal thoughts. When making the film, I hoped to emulate some of the feelings and thoughts I had felt, even to a slight degree. Because of how personal this subject is to me, I spent fairly long hours after school on my project.”

About Directing Change

Directing Change launched in 2012 and is a suicide prevention and mental health promotion program that draws on developmental and educational theory in its approach. By following the program’s submission guidelines to create short (30 and 60-second) films or art projects, students learn about suicide prevention, mental health and other social justice and critical health topics; discuss and apply that knowledge in peer groups; and communicate positive, youth-focused, action-oriented messages to peers and adults in their communicates. The program is free to schools and supported by the California Department of Education. Directing Change is part of statewide efforts to prevent suicide, reduce stigma and discrimination to related to mental illness, and to promote the mental health and wellness of students. These initiatives are funded by counties through the Mental Health Services Act (Prop 63) and administered by the California Mental Health Services Authority (CalMHSA), and organization of county governments working to improve mental health outcomes for individuals, families and communities. For more information visit www.DirectingChangeCA.org.