BIFF and Austen Riggs Center Shine The Light On Youth Mental Illness

We don’t talk about feelings, we don’t talk about struggles, we don’t talk about what’s going on in our head.
— Makalynn, Age 24

Makalynn’s statement comes from “Hiding in Plain Sight, Youth Mental Illness,” a Ken Burns Presents documentary that, in the words of its subjects, offers multiple personal takes on the mental health crisis raging today. The two-part documentary — currently streaming on PBS and Amazon Prime Video — was co-directed by brothers Erik Ewers and Christopher Ewers. Locally, it will be screened at “Shine the Light,” a community event and conversation about youth mental illness and suicide prevention sponsored by the Berkshire International Film Festival, the Austen Riggs Center, and the Berkshire Coalition for Suicide Prevention. Every one of us is urged to attend on Sunday, Nov. 20 at 3 p.m. at the Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center in Great Barrington.

Told through the first-person accounts of more than 20 young Americans from all over the country, the series presents an unstinting look at the seemingly insurmountable obstacles faced by those who live with mental disorders and the hope that many have found. In the first of the two, two-hour episodes, “The Storm,” deals with the childhood and adolescent experience of these young people: the symptoms they are feeling, and the realization that their behavior is not normal. Part 2, “Resilience,” picks up where the subjects have had their rock-bottom moment, and how they learn to deal with their illness — their path to wellness, including the roadblocks in the way. Along the journey, they learned not to be ashamed, to not keep everything inside. A portion of the full series will be screened at the event.

“Everyone can see some part of their own life and experiences in the film,” says Erik Ewers [photo, right, by Evan Barlow], who has been part of the Ken Burns “family” for 30 years and who will be present at the Mahaiwe. “Working on it was a gift to me and helped me redirect the challenges in my life,” he says, relating the struggles he’d had with his own mental health. In producing the film, his brother Christopher learned how to take care of his mental challenges and to identify what might have been a major health challenge for one of his kids.

The documentary screening will be followed by a three-minute PSA, “Up on the Roof,” featuring Carole King. It was produced in the Berkshires by Kate Morris, whose interest in mental health education and concept for the community event preceded the recent suicide of her son.

With the goal of providing important information, tools of where to turn for help, and inspiration, the program will also include a conversation with Erik Ewers; Ali Borowsky, founder of Find Your Anchor, a grassroots movement aimed at suicide prevention and awareness; and mental health treatment experts from the Austen Riggs Center and Berkshire Health Systems. Kelley Vickery, BIFF founder and artistic director, says they are reaching out to students, schools, and families to be part of the conversation. Because, really, is there any one of us who hasn’t been touched by mental illness in some way?

“It’s critical for people to see this whole journey, not just the bad, but the more hopeful stuff,” Ewers says, noting that some people have said the documentary is too dark and depressing. His response is perhaps the best reason to watch it.

“In order to understand this crisis, we can’t avoid it. How can we help if we don’t look at the whole journey? I’ve learned from the heroes in our film that talking about it sets you free.”

“Shine the Light,” a screening and conversation about youth mental illness and suicide prevention
Sunday, Nov. 20 at 3 p.m.
Mahaiwe Performing Arts Center, Great Barrington

Tickes are 15 for adults and free to 18 years or younger and may be purchased online.