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Launch of Moving Mental Health Documentary Inspired by Bedfordians
A Profound Exploration into Mental Health Struggles and Triumphs
A moving and hard-hitting documentary about the struggles and profound effects of mental health has been made by a Bedford-based wellbeing coach and local filmmakers.
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Sophie Whelan, the founder of the children and family well-being not-for-profit organisation, Bright Emotions, collaborated with Don Weerasirie and Jack Brown of Bedford’s Limelight TV to work with local people affected by suicide and mental health.
The film had its premiere at King’s House on Ampthill Road at the end of June, to an audience of over 70 including family members whose lives had been severely affected by mental health and those who were featured in the documentary.
“Me, Myself and Mental Health” offered a deep, raw, and emotional look at the struggles and triumphs of individuals from Bedford around their mental health and families that had lost loved ones to suicide.
Sophie introduced the film, emphasising the importance of removing stigma from conversations around mental health and urged everyone in the room to approach the documentary with curiosity rather than judgment.
Sophie asked the audience members to put their hands up if they had ever struggled with their own mental health. Every hand in the room was raised.
A Journey Three Years in the Making
The film, Me, Myself and Mental Health, has been three years in the making. The idea came to Sophie after hearing the devastating news about a well-known barber in Bedford who took his own life in September 2021.
Having had her own mental health battles, Sophie felt there needed to be more open conversations about mental health and suicide. She contacted Don Weerasirie and Jack Brown from LimeLight TV to begin the ambitious and moving project.
“We wanted this documentary to be hard-hitting, raw, and show exactly how difficult it can be for those struggling,” said Sophie.
“We wanted local individuals from various age groups and backgrounds to share their stories with the hope that others could relate.
“These aren’t people from a distant country; they are our neighbours, walking our streets and living in our community. It underscores how little we know about what the person next to us is experiencing.”
Humanising Mental Health Struggles
The documentary is a powerful exploration of mental health, featuring personal stories from individuals who have experienced a range of mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, and PTSD.
The film also includes insights from mental health support systems, including a men’s monthly walking group and the work carried out by Bright Emotions to encourage children to recognise and talk about their feelings.
One of the documentary’s most compelling aspects was its focus on the human side of mental illness and how it impacts and affects others.
Through interviews and intimate footage, viewers gained a deeper understanding of what it’s like to either live with or experience living with someone with a mental health condition.
The documentary also highlighted the importance of community support, the role of therapy and medication, and the often devastating lack of suitable support from the NHS and GPs.
The stories came from well-known individuals in the town, including Ciro Ciampi from Petrol Headonism, Reverend Sharon Grenhan-Thompson, and DJ and producer Turno, talking about the loss of his brother, Fabio Molliterno, to suicide.
Raising Awareness and Offering Hope
Talking about the making of the documentary, Don said: “When Sophie approached me to create this documentary, it was a no-brainer.
“We had to highlight the fact that mental illness can impact anyone and everyone at any moment in our lives. Sometimes there are warning signs, sometimes there are not, and we wanted to make a clear statement in this documentary that the people we are talking about are your neighbours, your barbers, your shop assistants, your family – it’s a lot closer to home than you think.”
Following the screening, Chris from The Ollie Foundation (One Life Lost Is Enough) spoke to the audience about the impact suicide has had on him and his family.
Chris lost his 16-year-old son to suicide over ten years ago and met with a group of parents who had unfortunately gone through the same heartbreaking situation. They realised there wasn’t a lot of training in their local area of Hertfordshire and took it upon themselves to provide suicide prevention training. They now deliver free training courses and resources all over the UK.
The night ended with a set from local band, The Earthtones, with songs and lyrics reflecting their own views and experiences with mental health.
Together We Can Make a Difference
One of the key takeaways from the evening was that there are lots of support groups and resources across Bedford that can help support those who are struggling, and there is hope.
Sophie said: “This is just the beginning. I started Bright Emotions so that talking about and expressing our feelings from a very young age is something that is part of our everyday lives.
“We know, acknowledge, and understand that our services in the UK are stretched and that’s exactly why Bright Emotions stands committed to bridging the gap in services, particularly for children on waiting lists or not meeting the threshold for other services.
“We’ve gone on to develop a powerful parenting course so that parents can also learn about their own emotions, supported with managing and talking about feelings at home.
“We must keep the conversation going and support our community with other options and pathways other than the traditional methods of the GP and the NHS when they are sometimes too overwhelmed to provide the best options for people.
“Together, we can really make a difference.”
She praised the bravery of everyone who took part in the documentary, saying: “I was able to work alongside some of the most talented people in Bedford, and build relationships with some of the most inspiring individuals that showed unwavering bravery sharing their stories on camera.
“This project is in memory of all those that we have lost to suicide”.
Bright Emotions is a not-for-profit organisation and you can make a donation here.
