"Breaking Free" is a program designed by The Swensrud Depression Prevention Initiative (SDPI). This unique approach uses teenagers to educate other teenagers about the importance of recognizing and addressing depression and suicidal thoughts, and taking responsibility for getting support and help. The program includes three documentary films, an art exhibit, and accompanying educational materials for schools. The goals of SDPI as well as of the Breaking Free program are to: raise awareness of depression, promote early identification of youth in distress, and reduce stigma associated with mental illness. Not only does the program empower and educate adults, but more importantly, it empowers teenagers to take care of themselves and each other.
Documentaries
The Breaking Free project has three separate documentary films to address the needs of the particular audiences targeted. The first documentary (30 minutes) focuses solely on the stories and lives of diverse adolescents and families as they currently struggle with depression, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts. We learn of their symptoms, the course of their illness, and the methods they use for coping through their own words, rather than through expert narrative. We chose this storytelling technique so that youth are able to learn about symptoms and recognize their impact through their peers' own words. Finally, the documentary also addresses hope – the adolescents in the film do not only share their distress, but also ways they find help and relief, and the skills they have learned to manage their depression.
One such story is that of Igor, an 18-year-old African American young man. During a period of over one year, the documentary follows Igor, and we hear of his long struggle with depression, about his history of loss and adversity, his suicide attempt and how he has learned to cope. We also meet Caroline, a 19-year-old young woman with a history of depression, anxiety, self-injury, and suicidal thoughts. While Caroline's external struggles are significantly different from Igor's, their internal battles with depression are strikingly similar. We also meet many other adolescents, their friends, and family members, who like Igor and Caroline, come from varied backgrounds and circumstances, but are tied by a similar experience of growing up struggling with depression.
The second documentary is a 20-30 minute piece that addresses parents and professionals specifically. This documentary tells the compelling stories of parents who have seen their children struggle with depression, and of some who have lost their children to suicide. We hear, for example, Rosie's story, when she tells us that she learned of her son Adam's death when the police came to their door early one morning. This documentary addresses not only powerful stories of struggle, loss, and hope, but also how to seek resources, provides professional advice, and guidance.
The third piece is a 60 minute film made for television and film viewing. This piece will combine elements of the first two documentaries, and will be edited specifically for national broadcasting and TV/film viewing.
Educational Material
The manual that accompanies the documentary is designed for use by school personnel. The documentary may be used as a teaching tool to raise students' awareness of depression. The manual provides teaching lessons, suggestions for guiding discussion about the film, and resource information.
