Murrieta Students Recognized for 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 Murrieta Valley High School, Murrieta Mesa High School, David A Brown Middle School, and Eleanor Roosevelt 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 2 Suicide Prevention Finalists from Riverside County

Second Place: “The Promise” (Team Pick- Advancing to statewide round of judging)

Riverside County

Murrieta Valley High School

Filmmakers: Olivia Bettencourt and Lexi Tentman

Advisor: Ella Harrison

Link: https://vimeo.com/512262129

“It's a point-of-view video from a perspective of someone who is showing the signs of suicide. Her friend calls her up to talk to her about how she's been showing the signs of suicide and if she's thinking of it. Her friend then types out the suicide hotline, promising if she calls it, she will be okay. I wanted to make a simple, but serious video showing how a conversation might look like with someone thinking about suicide.”

Third Place: “Alone”

Riverside County

Eleanor Roosevelt High School

Filmmakers: Suzanne López, Cedric López, and Meagan

Advisor: Jacob Fuller

Link: https://vimeo.com/517985216

“I choose this category because many teenagers and young adults go through depression or have suicidal thoughts. In the last decade the suicide rates have increased and it’s becoming a more common problem. However, through my video I hope to remind people that though you may feel alone there are people there that are willing to help you or be there for you. If they don’t believe this, I want to also offer them the suicide prevention lines, so if they do have thoughts of suicide and can’t go to anyone else they can call someone for help.”

Region 2 Mental Health Finalists from Riverside County

First Place: “Another Light” (Advancing to statewide round of judging)

Riverside County

Murrieta Mesa High School

Filmmakers: Lizzie Waddleton and Leyna Vo

Advisor: Timeree Kristell

Link: https://vimeo.com/516425084

“We chose this category because mental health is an important issue for the both of us. During the pandemic it has been easy to feel isolated and alone. We wanted to create a message to aid others in understanding that one should not conceal negative thoughts and keep their feelings to themselves. We wanted to show that there are many people who feel the same way, and reaching out can relieve a lot of anxiety and stress.”

Through the Lens of Culture Finalists from Riverside County

First Place: “Plus Que Forte” (Recognized at Award Ceremony)

Riverside County

Murrieta Valley High School

Filmmaker: Christina Batte

Advisor: Ella Harrison

Link: https://vimeo.com/518367972

“I choose to make a film about my experiences as a black woman with mental health and seeking help. I discuss the stigmas of being expected to stay strong as a black woman, which causes us to ignore our mental health. I wrote, scored, edited, filmed, and acted in this film. The music is me playing guitar. I am not a native French speaker, but I have been studying it for almost four years, and I tried my best. I hope you enjoy it.”

SanaMente Finalists from Riverside County

First Place: “Puedo Enfrentarlo” (Recognized at Award Ceremony)

Riverside County

David A Brown Middle School

Filmmakers: Gabriela Sanchez Flores, Jocelyn Pacheco, Justin Quick, and Mark Wysocki

Advisor: Amy Pitotti

Link: https://vimeo.com/518011808

“Puedo Enfrentarle was created in a 100% virtual environment with students that wanted to talk about their culture. They learned that understanding their past can help them create a better future. They also realized that talking about mental health within your family is a good thing and not a weakness.”

Third Place: “Primer Generacion”

Riverside County

Eleanor Roosevelt High School

Filmmakers: Erica Barron and Julia Aversa

Advisor: Jacob Fuller

Link: https://vimeo.com/522622975

“I choose Sanamenta because in many Hispanic/Latino households feelings and problems are not talked about because they may be viewed as weak but I want others to know that feelings are not a sign of weakness, but strength. I also understand that there is a lot of pressure on kids because sometimes they are first-generation Americans and their parents want the very best for them and that often feels like a lot of pressure. I want people to know that they do not need to handle the pressure alone."

Walk in Our Shoes Finalists Riverside County

Second Place: “The Overcomer”

Riverside County

David A Brown Middle School

Filmmaker: Mark Wysocki

Advisor: Amy Pitotti

Link: https://vimeo.com/518003751

Hope and Justice Finalists Riverside County

First Place: “We Can See Hope” (Recognized at Award Ceremony)

Riverside County

David A Brown Middle School

Filmmakers: Cody Fyfe, Crista Kerr, Justin Quick, Jocelyn Pacheco, Tiffany Bravo, and Mark Wysocki

Advisor: Amy Pitotti

Link: https://vimeo.com/518246399

“I have never worked so hard as an educator to help kids make something magical. I have not seen any of my students since March 13, 2020 and this film shows who we are, what we've experienced and how we can still manage to see HOPE. The hours spent on Zoom to record and edit astound me- but we are all very proud of the end result. It shows us, exactly as we are- and how we want to be remembered during this incredibly complex time. This is us, and this is what HOPE looks like!”

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.