Mental illness is a significant global health crisis—as pervasive as cancer, diabetes, and heart disease—but it often exists in secret and is endured in isolation.
WMHT will work collaboratively with project partners to center youth voices in discussions around the film and local efforts to support youth facing mental health challenges. WMHT will create multi-platform content that tells stories about youth mental health and wellness topics. WMHT will serve as a bridge between partners with the goals of allowing youth to lead, creating awareness around youth mental health work in our area, getting communities connected to the resources they need, and encouraging our shared and unique audiences to be part of the discussion.
HIDING IN PLAIN SIGHT: YOUTH MENTAL ILLNESS features first-person accounts from more than 20 young people, ranging in age from 11 to 27, who live with mental health conditions, as well as parents, teachers, friends, healthcare providers in their lives, and independent mental health experts. The film presents an unvarnished window into daily life with mental health challenges, from seemingly insurmountable obstacles to stories of hope and resilience.
Through the experiences of these young people, the film confronts the issues of stigma, discrimination, awareness, and silence, and, in doing so, helps advance a shift in the public perception of mental health issues today.
Experience the Series
What is SEL and How Does it Support Mental Well Being?
Learn about the intersection of SEL and youth mental health/well being.


Further Reading: Resources & News

Mental Health Education in Schools

Youth-Centered Strategies for Hope, Healing, and Health
By National Black Women's Justice Institute

Mental Health and COVID-19: a Conversation with Psychotherapist Jodi Aman
In this time of isolation and uncertainty, while we’re protecting ourselves and each other from COVID-19, it’s important that we care for our mental health, as well.

Family Education Webinar Series
The School Mental Health Resource & Training Center will provide monthly educational webinars for families and caregivers.

Mental Health Language Guide

Summer Mental Health Toolkit for Families and Youth
By Mental Health Association in New York State, Inc.

Decolonizing Mental Health: Digital Series
Experts like Shawna Murray-Browne speak to what the current mental health field lacks.

Social and Emotional Learning

Students' Mental Health
Experts say younger children adapting better during this pandemic than older students.
'988' Mental Health Crisis Hotline | New York NOW
A new '988' mental health crisis hotline is now active in New York. WCNY's David Lombardo speaks with Office of Mental Health Commissioner Dr. Ann Marie Sullivan.
Learn More: https://nynow.wmht.org/

What Parents Can Say to their Children About School Shootings

Children's Mental Health
Learn how COVID-19 is all affecting children's mental health.
Treating Addiction in New York with Chinazo Cunningham | New York NOW
David Lombardo from the Capitol Pressroom talks with OASAS commissioner Chinazo Cunningham about state funding and priorities for treating addiction in New York state.
Learn More: https://nynow.wmht.org/
PBS Learning Media

PBS Learning MEdia
Mental Health and Self-Care
In this video from First Person, psychotherapist Omar Torres discusses the benefits of therapy, the importance of self-care, and the implications of intersectionality on personal identity.

PBS LEARNING MEDIA
What Are ACES? | Social & Emotional Learning: The Arts for Every Classroom
Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are defined by the Centers for Disease Control as potentially traumatic events or circumstances, such as witnessing a mother’s abuse, a parent’s incarceration, or household poverty.

PBS LEARNING MEDIA
Hiding in Plain Sight: Youth Mental Illness
A documentary about the mental health crisis among youth in America.

Mysteries of Mental Illness
Mysteries of Mental Illness
Explore mental illness and its effects on three young adults, using these educational media resources developed for health educators and high school learners.