District 228 to Hold "Angst" Screening To Spark a Conversation

Anxiety is real and is living in our teens. With the pressure of perfection perpetrated by social media, the high competition for entry into college and society placing more responsibility on our teens and young adults, anxiety has grown into a full blown epidemic.

The movie Angst is an IndieFlix Original which tackles this subject with the hopes of opening an important conversation. It is designed to raise awareness of anxiety and bring it into the light. Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health challenge in the U.S. impacing 54% of females and 46% of males with the age of 7 being the median age of onset, according to the World Health Organization.

While anxiety disorders are highly treatable, only one-third of those suffering receive treatment for a myriad of reasons. Many feel that their anxiety is normal and is just something they need to live with. Others feel shameful for the feelings of anxiety so they hid it from loved ones. Whatever the reason, anxiety is real and should be brought into the forefront of discussions with teens and adults.

Bremen High School District 228 believes this is important seeing the first hand effects of anxiety in its students. They will be hosting multiple screening at Bremen High School, Tinley Park High School, Hillcrest High School, and Oak Forest High School. Additionally, the District will be hosting a free community screening open to all.

Bremen High School District 228 describes the film Angst in a press release. "The producers of this film, Scilla Andreen and Karin Gornick, have one goal: to start a global conversation and raise awareness around anxiety. Through candid interviews, they utilize the power of film to tell the stories of many kids 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 a special interview with Michael Phelps, a mental health advocate and one of the greatest athletes of all-time. In addition, the documentary provides discussions with mental health experts about the causes of anxiety and its sociological effects, along with the help, resources and tools available to address the condition."

They go on to say, "District 228 social workers worked together to plan these screenings with the hope that they will open up a dialogue between local families, community leaders, and experts about anxiety. The community event will feature a viewing of the 56-minute film, followed by an informative panel discussion led by experts at Bremen Youth Services and B.Well Studio."

They are hoping that anyone who feels that anxiety is a problem or parents who would like to know more about this crisis will come to one of the screenings listed below.

D228 Screenings:

• Bremen High School (Private Screenings): Feb. 20 at 8:35am and 10:20am, and Feb. 21 at 3:00pm
• Tinley Park High School (Private Screenings): Feb. 20 at 8:35am, 9:10am, 10:20am, 10:55am and Feb. 21 at 3:00pm
• Hillcrest High School (Private Screenings): Feb. 18, 19, 21, and 22 at 9:15am, and Feb. 21 at 3:15pm
• Oak Forest High School (Private Screenings): Various times throughout the day on Feb. 18 and Feb. 20
• Free Community Screening, Tinley Park High School Auditorium, Thursday, February 21, 2019 at 7:00 pm to 8:30 pm