Mental Health through a Global Lens

I traveled to Europe for six weeks to begin a documentary project that examines and documents individual and organizational perceptions about mental health. Specifically, I uncovered culturally-driven differences related to individuals' perceptions of mental health and mental illness.

I traveled across five countries in Europe interviewing people from a variety of social stratum; from mental health professionals, to personal testimonials from individuals whom I met on the streets.

I take a critical-ethnographic approach— acknowledging that I’m intrinsically linked to the projects I pursue through the passion that motivates the interest to the outcome. The passion that motivated my efforts in directing, writing, and producing this film is from personal lived experience having spent three months of psychiatric hospitilization my freshman year of college, 2010. This experience fueled my desire to engage beyond my local community and expand the global dialogue around mental health to reduce the stigma and discrimination propegated between individuals and the public at large.

As a youth (age 23), this film serves as a tool and voice to empower my generation to get more involved, learn from other cultures perspectives and practices, and promote social change through community and global engagement. This film inspires that we are more alike, than different. 

I recently helped plan the 7th International "Together Against Stigma" Conference, wherby I met leaders and advocates from around the world passionate about mental health reform in their respective culture. My goal is for this project to continue through such networks that have been created in efforts to strengthen collaboration of resources, research, and insight related to improving the lives of individuals and communities.