By Mary-Justine Lanyon
If a teen breaks his arm, misses a day of school and returns in a cast, everyone will ask what happened, how he is. But if that same teen misses school due to having a panic attack or feeling too depressed to leave the house, it’s possible no one will even notice his absence.
Glomedia Project was started as a way to address mental health issues faced by teens. According to information on their website (glowmedia.org), nearly a third of teens suffer from an anxiety disorder. One in six teens admits to taking prescription medications to get high or change their mood.
Glomedia Project has produced a series of short films that address several of the issues faced by today’s teens. Three of those films will be shown on Sunday, June 2 at 6 p.m. at Spade & Spatula Gastropub in Blue Jay.
Unimaginable addresses the challenges faced by teens during the pandemic and their isolation from their friends. The film focuses on three teens – one from Rhode Island and two from Rim of the World High School. They share how they coped during this period of isolation.
There Can Be Light tells the story of Olivia, who loses her best friend, Ricardo, to suicide. She is filled with guilt because she didn’t see any signs that he was depressed. She herself falls into depression. With the encouragement of her sister and her high school counselor, she gets help and finds a way to honor her friend.
And in This Is Me, Luke, a high school junior, wants to reveal his sexual orientation to his family and friends but is afraid how the news will affect his relationships with them. In an introduction to the film, actor Jordan Doww says that “you don’t want to be a replica of someone. You want to be you, which should be different.”
Each film is accompanied by guides for educators, students and parents; all are available on the website.
At the screening on June 2, there will be a roundtable discussion about the films and their topics moderated by Trish Glowacki, executive director of the Glomedia Project. Rim Family Services and Mountain Counseling and Training will be present with information on the services they offer.
Also present will be local musician Dale Fisher, who is the music director for the films and the director of community outreach for the Glomedia Project.
In addition, there will be performances of songs and poetry by teens between the films.
Bev Eskew, owner of Spade & Spatula, is offering the use of her space for this screening. She will provide some light refreshments and a cash bar will be available.
Admission will be free. The films are not recommended for children under the age of 12.
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