Deanna and her seventh-grade daughter Julia were among guests at a special screening of “Angst” a documentary on the growing issue of anxiety among adolescents.
The PTSA from Johnson High School, and Tex Hill and Tejeda middle schools come together to host the screening of the Indiefilm for students and their families. Close to 200 people filled the theater at the Alamo Drafthouse at Stone Oak.
As a PTSA volunteer with children at Johnson, Tejeda and Roan Forest Elementary School, Deanna thought this screening was a great resource for NEISD families.
“This is a great opportunity with important information, and we are so glad that it filled up so fast,” said Deanna.
Anxiety disorders affect approximately 25 percent of children between 13 and 18 years old every year. Research shows that untreated children with anxiety disorders are at higher risk to perform poorly in school, miss out on important social experiences, and engage in substance abuse.
While anxiety disorders are very treatable, many who suffer don’t seek help. The big takeaway from this event was that anxiety should not be ignored or diminished. Talking about it and listening are essential to get those affected the help they need.
A key component of the screening is an expert-led panel discussion immediately afterward that allows for audience questions.
The panelists included Cynthia Diaz de Leon, PhD and Megan Lawson, PsyD of the Clarity Child Guidance Center; Lisa Williams, Johnson STAN Counselor; Carrie Edmond, NEISD Assistant Director of Student Leadership and Well-Being; and Ellen Shrouf, PhD, University Health Systems.
“We want to break down the stigma,” said Edmond. “It’s important to talk about it and figure out how we can help each other.”
In an age of social media and constant connectivity to all things online, young men and women need to develop additional skills to help navigate through life.
“Nowadays, it’s not enough for youngsters to learn how to read and study for their SATs,” said Diaz de Leon. “They have to learn how to manage their feelings, so when you have youngsters who are very bright but do not have the skills to manage their emotional life, it can get very frustrating and overwhelming for them.”
NEISD is leading the way in providing information on mental health to its parents, students and teachers through events such as this, agency referrals, teacher training and counseling support.
An additional free screening of “Angst” will be held at Churchill High School on May 8 at 6:30 p.m. View event details HERE.
