User reviews

This was a well researched and produced documentary about youth mental illness with heartbreaking and vulnerable testimonies from the youth who live it. I was overwhelmed with their poise and willingness to be so vulnerable. Not only did the documentary focus on the problem but examined solutions. So glad that addiction was included and not given a backseat. I am glad to see there is a study guide and that they included a variety of mental health diagnosis

A few negatives

• Patrick Kennedy was annoying in his snippets
• The 11 year old diagnosing himself gay is ridiculous
• Too many private school rich kids presented who had money for excellent treatment
• The 40 year old bipolar guy was not part of the demographic
• Would have liked to seen more therapists besides the psychiatrist and the LCPC

But in spite of these few concerns, I applaud this documentary.

What is really hiding in plain sight is the avoidance of mentioning child abuse and the psychological consequences suffered by the victims. The 'mental illness' of depression, self-harm, self-medication. In several cases, the suicidal ideation, anxiety are the psychological manifestations of the abuse, neglect in the family environment. Instead the kids are labeled with mental illness. No coverage was given to the elephant in the room, the emperor with no clothes on. It's shockingly bad treatment of this important topic. Look at the problem of child abuse and the tolls it takes on our society and make an honest documentary.

This film left us with no hope. I was bored out of my mind and was hoping it would at the very least inspire me and my students. After using several beautiful mental health films in our curriculum, I was extremely disappointed at the absolute lackluster and less than mediocre quality of the film - both with regard to content and to production. I expected more from Ken Burns.

There were several irrelevant scenes and it was slow and bland. This film felt more like a public service announcement (PSA). It doesn't move the viewer as a film about this particular topic should. Instead it is completely devoid of hope and inspiration.