the mission of the Joseph R. Biden, Jr. School of Public Policy and Administration’s Biden Institute at the University of Delaware is to convene academics, policymakers, journalists, business and nonprofit leaders, government officials, and activists to address the most pressing domestic policy issues facing the United States today. But before policies can be addressed, problems must first be identified.
One of the biggest issues facing college students today is mental health, and on Thursday, September 15, the Biden Institute hosted Christopher and Erik Ewers, co-directors of the documentary. Ken Burns Presents Hiding in Plain Sight: Juvenile Mental Illnessfor a debate at the Trabant University Center.
“We have to think about policies that can make this world better,” said Cathy McLaughlin, executive director of the Biden Institute. “We have to identify the challenges before we can change the policy. That is why we are here today. We are here to have these conversations and talk about the policy issues that our students care about. If you don’t talk about it, you can’t fix it.”
Each semester, Biden Institute programming focuses on various policy areas, with the goal of engaging and inspiring the next generation of leaders to shape the public conversation and affect policy at the local, state, and federal levels.
After a 15-minute clip from the film, Helen Ann Lawless, director of strategic wellness and training at UD, moderated the discussion.
“We know that at this point in the academic year, especially incoming students may start to feel lonely or stressed,” he said. “This definitely gives them an opportunity to feel seen and also connect and learn more about our commitments as a community to support this work.”
hidden in plain sight features first-person accounts from more than 20 young people, ages 11 to 27, living with mental health issues, as well as from parents, teachers, friends, health care providers, and mental health experts. The film presents a window into everyday life with mental health challenges and confronts the issues of stigma, discrimination and awareness.
“The whole idea of this film is to give young people a voice when they haven’t been given one in this conversation, but they are the ones most likely to manifest symptoms early in their lives,” said Erik Ewers.
Christopher Ewers said he believes mental illness is much more common than many people realize.
“Statistics indicate that one in four Americans suffers from a mental illness, and that’s shocking, it’s misleading,” said Christopher Ewers. “That’s four out of four, in the same way that none of us have ever experienced a physical illness. And until we have that fairness of thought, and then, of course, fairness of policy and treatment, we will continue to repeat the same process.”
Erik Ewers said that the main goal of the film is to raise awareness of mental health issues faced by young people, as well as reduce the stigma associated with mental illness.
“We tend to cross the street if we see someone babbling incoherently, unlike someone who broke their leg, you would run to help,” he said. “And why is that? We’re not educated. We have people in the movie who have hallucinations and delusions, and you see they’re real human beings, too.”
Ellie Lichty, a political science freshman, attended the event because she said she struggles with her mental health and hopes to raise more awareness of the issue.
“I think that talking about mental health in youth is very, very important. I struggle with it, and I have a lot of people around me who struggle with it,” she said. “I thought the questions were very relevant to today’s society. I also liked how [Erik and Chris] arm the film with relevance to this moment rather than what mental health was like 50 years ago. And, of course, it doesn’t hurt to be reminded of ways to help other people.”
The need for mental health care is greater than ever, Lawless said, and UD has made great strides in helping students and staff prioritize mental health. He reminded students of the mental health services offered at the Wellness Center at Warner Hall and that most services are available both in person and virtually. Students can also contact mental health support 24 hours a day at the UD Helpline or Crisis Text Line.
While mental health services are essential, Christopher Ewers said it’s important not to discount the impact empathy can have.
“The more we can relate one to one with empathy and respect, that will spill over into everything, certainly, but in terms of mental health, absolutely,” he said.
Means
For any student in need of support or assistance, the Division of Student Life offers a variety of resources.
Students can connect with Center for Counseling and Student Development at 302-831-2141. The UD Helpline is available at 302-831-1001 anytime, day or night, for students who are feeling anxious, overwhelmed, depressed, or in need of advice.
In addition, staff members from the Office of the Dean of Students are available to assist any student who wishes to speak. Call 302-831-8939 to make an appointment.
Mental health support for UD benefited employees is provided by ComPsych® Guidance Resources®. The link provides steps on how to access services or call 1-877-527-4742 for assistance.
