Teachers of all grades are voicing serious concerns about the mental health of many young people today. It’s not surprising, then, that Ken Burns, esteemed producer and documentarian, brings us Hiding in Plain Sight: Youth Mental Illness, a film that helps us see the awareness and empathy needed for mental health challenges and the hope many find when facing seemingly insurmountable obstacles.
By capturing the experiences of young people who struggle with mental health, the film shines light on what it’s like for them and for the parents, teachers, friends and healthcare providers who try to help. The film also shows the need for society to
rally around children and adolescents who suffer mental health disorders and to view mental illness not as someone else’s problem but as our common struggle. You can view and learn more here.
PBS LearningMedia also has the follow collections on mental health: Mysteries of Mental Illness for grades 9-12, Youth Mental Health for grades 6-8, 9-12, and Tragedy & Hope: Stories of Painkiller Addiction for grades 6-8, 9-12.