Welcome to the time we live in; where comparison has led to depression, the paradox of choice -seeing too many options to choose from, or FOMO as it's commonly known- leaves us feeling anxious, and "Ghosting" is the new epidemic of our era. As people are growing up in the time of technology, we are unable to evolve as quickly as the devices and streams of communication around us. Society is losing the valuable skills of human interaction, team building and face to face communication. This is proving to stem detrimental social anxieties as people are unable to cope with the pressures of overcoming personal issues through meaningful discussion, understanding our place in the world and worthiness within it.
Countless stories of online bullying, social anxiety and depression leading to suicide leaves us heartbroken and confused. During the most emotional and hormonal time of their lives, teens and young adults are increasingly finding it more difficult to balance their online persona with real life and the feeling of being a replaceable commodity with a swipe of the thumb which is creating a melting pot of mental health issues only made worse by the short term pleasure and endorphin inducing distraction these apps provide.
So how do we combat these social anxieties and reinforce a sense of community, purpose and meaning in life? Movies have always been a way to show the past, present and future in a way that helps people understand themselves and the world around them. Through this medium and an online awareness campaign, we are going to reach thousands of people who are desperately searching for answers and a feeling that they are not alone. Our film 40 seconds is going to be a relatable story highlighting all the issues aforementioned, most importantly the fact that every 40 seconds someone commits suicide (a statistic that is predicted to increase to 20 seconds by 2020 if action is not taken) but also providing a solution through encouraging community connection.
Instead of simply vilifying technology and the internet, we would like to use it to help spread awareness and do good in the world. Help us create change, today.
The reality of the situation
1 in 5 U.S. adults experience mental illness each year
1 in 20 U.S. adults experience serious mental illness each year
1 in 6 U.S. youth aged 6-17 experience a mental health disorder each year
50% of all lifetime mental illness begins by age 14, and 75% by age 24
Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death among people aged 10-34
Mental Health Care Matters
43.8% of U.S. adults with mental illness received treatment in 2019
65.5% of U.S. adults with serious mental illness received treatment in 2019
50.6% of U.S. youth aged 6-17 with a mental health disorder received treatment in 2016
The average delay between onset of mental illness symptoms and treatment is 11 years
Annual treatment rates among U.S. adults with any mental illness, by demographic group:
o Male: 36.8%
o Female: 49.7%
o Lesbian, Gay or Bisexual: 49.2%
o Non-Hispanic Asian: 23.3%
o Non-Hispanic black or African-American: 32.9%
o Non-Hispanic mixed/multiracial: 43.0%
o Hispanic or Latino: 33.9%
10.9% of U.S. adults with mental illness had no insurance coverage in 2019
11.9% of U.S. adults with serious mental illness had no insurance coverage in 2019
60% of U.S. counties do not have a single practicing psychiatrist
20.6% of U.S. adults experienced mental illness in 2019 (51.5 million people). This represents 1 in 5 adults.
5.2% of U.S. adults experienced serious mental illness in 2019 (13.1 million people). This represents 1 in 20 adults.
16.5% of U.S. youth aged 6-17 experienced a mental health disorder in 2016 (7.7 million people) *
3.8% of U.S. adults experienced a co-occurring substance use disorder and mental illness in 2019 (9.5 million people)
Suicide statistics are increasing
Suicide is the 2nd leading cause of death among people aged 10-34 in the U.S. *
Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the U.S.
The overall suicide rate in the U.S. has increased by 35% since 1999
46% of people who die by suicide had a diagnosed mental health condition
90% of people who die by suicide had shown symptoms of a mental health condition, according to interviews with family, friends and medical professionals (also known as psychological autopsy)
Lesbian, gay and bisexual youth are 4x more likely to attempt suicide than straight youth
78% of people who die by suicide are male
Transgender adults are nearly 12x more likely to attempt suicide than the general population
Lesbian, gay and bisexual youth are 4x more likely to attempt suicide than straight youth