The Common Thread

Video Series To Spark Youth Mental Health Discussion

"The Common Thread documentary series will connect and move audiences and no doubt, leave them thinking about mental health in a very profound way," Jason Trethowan, headspace CEO

A new documentary series aims to reduce stigma and spark an open and positive discussion around youth mental health in Australia.

The Common Thread (6 x 5-8min series) sees Byron Bay filmmaker Darius Devas travel across the nation to meet young Australians from all walks of life, who open up about their mental ill health and share the tools and tactics that have supported their recovery.

The series comes at a time of great need for discussion around youth mental health in Australia with headspace research revealing nearly one in three (32%) young Australians (12 to 25 year olds) report high or very high levels of psychological distress.

The series will release on Instagram, Facebook and YouTube via Devas' production company Being Here and partner networks, including headspace and the Centre for Rural and Remote Mental Health every Tuesday from July 9 through to August 13.

"The Common Thread documentary series has given young people both a voice and a platform to share and talk about mental health. headspace is incredibly proud to be a part of this project and conversation," said Jason Trethowan, headspace CEO.

"The time to respond to mental ill-health is now. This highly relatable series will create conversations, and change lives," said Professor Patrick McGorry, headspace Founding Board Member.

Launching during NAIDOC Week, the first episode sees Devas open up about the loss of his friend, Indigenous poet Alice Eather, to suicide.

"Losing Alice and then hearing her father Michael courageously speak about mental health at her funeral was what galvanised me to make this series"especially given my struggles to understand my own anxiety," Devas said.

The series explores challenges faced by young Australians in a variety of settings, including rural areas, cities, coastal communities and tropical northern Australia, and features a diversity of experiences including that of Indigenous Australians, refugees, farmers, white collar workers and members of the LGBQTI community.

The Common Thread will be released across Devas' Being Here platform with production investment from Screen Australia. Financed with support from headspace and The Centre For Rural and Remote Mental Health.

Follow The Common Thread
@facebook.com/beinghere

HELP SEEKING OPTIONS

For immediate help:
Contact 000 if it is an emergency

Lifeline
DIAL: 13 11 14
http://lifeline.org.au

Suicide Call Back Service
DIAL: 1300 659 467
http://suicidecallbackservice.org.au

headspace
DIAL: 1800 650 890
http://headspace.org.au

Kids Helpline
DIAL: 1800 55 1800
http://kidshelpline.com.au/kids

ReachOut
http://au.reachout.com