The 2018 film “Angst” examines anxiety teenagers and children experience as well as adults. Although the documentary was made before the COVID-19 pandemic, it is timely.
“This month we’re talking about anxiety, which COVID has clearly brought more forward since March,” said Ashley Knott, Westfield Washington Schools’ coordinator of family & community engagement. “So, bringing this film is a way to support our students and families through this time and let them know talking about it is the first step. There are many individuals in our district, our counselors, our teachers, our administrators and our community, along with the Wellbeing Coalition of Westfield, that are here to support you.”
Westfield Washington Schools’ Parent University, in conjunction with the Wellbeing Coalition of Westfield, is offering a free virtual on-demand opportunity for families to view the documentary.
“There is a cure and we can make forward movement,” Knott said. “It’s a film that brings anxiety to the top of the conversation, allowing you to be the best by dealing with some of the hardest emotions that people have to deal with on a regular basis and have been expanded by COVID. We want people to know anxiety is real and there are treatments and support.”
The film is 56 minutes and features Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps, who talks about how he dealt with anxiety.
“He talks about how before he learned coping skills of breathing, understanding the neuroscience behind the brain and why certain things were happening, he wasn’t able to be his best self,” Knott said. “When he reaches into his tool box, that’s what helps him be a top performer. He’s really relatable for our teenagers.”
Last month, Parent University presented a screening of an IndieFlik film called “Like” about social media.
“This is another stage of parent development we are offering to help support them right now,” Knott said.
Viewing opportunities begin at 8 a.m. Dec. 13 and run through midnight Dec. 16.
Registration is required because only 500 views are available. To register, visit bit.ly/RSVPForTheMovieANGST.
For more, visit wellbeingcoalitionwestfield.com.
