Not Alone Screening and Panel

The locally produced documentary, Not Alone, will hold its Theatrical Premiere at the MVFF on October 14, at 11 a.m. at the Rafael. The film was initiated by a Marin County teen, Jacqueline Monetta, who lost her best friend to suicide. She felt the disconnect between the suicide prevention messaging and the realities of teen life. So she asked teens who had experienced it to share their stories. Kentfield filmmaker, Kiki Goshay, produced this sensitive film and co- directed with Monetta. Jacqueline talks to ten teens who share their experiences with mental illness and suicidal thoughts or attempts. The film does not dramatize or go into details on the teens’ suicide attempts. Rather it focuses on the feelings that were behind them. Not Alone emphasizes the illness that is treatable. The teens encourage the audience to speak up and get help. This information comes directly from the experts — teens who have experienced it. The audience will also receive a free copy of Dr. Eli Merritt’s book, Suicide Risk in the Bay Area.

Following the film, the filmmakers will be joined on stage by some of the teens featured in the film for a Q&A. Then a panel of local mental health experts will join cast & crew for a community discussion on youth mental health in the Bay Area. They will discuss how to talk about mental illness and suicide and highlight important resources available to you and answer questions from the audience.

Panelists

Tamara Player, MSW, is the Chief Executive Officer for Buckelew Programs, a San Rafael- based nonprofit behavioral health organization providing a range of services, including the North Bay Suicide Prevention Hotline.

Dr. Eli Merritt, M.D. is a psychiatrist and mental health expert who consults with patients and families to obtain the right diagnosis and find the best doctors and treatment programs for their specific mental health needs. His book, Suicide Risk in the Bay Area is a guide for families, physicians, therapists with resources and referrals.

Dr. Kim Norman, M.D. is a psychiatrist affiliated with multiple hospitals in the area including UCSF Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. He volunteers his time to Greenlight Clinic, a free mental health clinic for teens in San Francisco.

Sheila Souder, School Counselor, Drake High School Counseling and Wellness Center. Tamalpais Union High School District.

Julian Plumadore, Community Engagement Manager, Mental Health Association of San Francisco. Their mission is to cultivate peer leadership, build community and advance social justice in mental health.

Resources

Greenlight Clinic – free short term counseling for 14-25 year olds 415.742.4306 greenlightclinic.org

Langley Porter Psychiatric Hospital & Clinics, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Clinics 415.476.7000 psych.ucsf.edu/lpphc/cas

Dr. Eli Merritt, M.D., Merritt Mental Health, Diagnosis and Consultation 415.285.3774 merrittmentalhealth.com

Tamalpais Union High School District Wellness Center – Provide health, mental health, substance use/abuse and reproductive health services to students through direct services education and prevention programming. Support line: 415.499.1100 tamdistrict.org

If You Go:

When: Saturday, October 14 at 11 a.m.
Where: Rafael 1
1118 4th St, San Rafael, CA 94901
Cost: $10 – 13.50
Event tickets available here.