Representation

Our film opening will represent mental health problems within teenagers. Many teenagers nowadays suffer in silence and are forced to cope with poor mental health alone. We wanted to make a difference with our film opening and include real life situations within so that it can become not just an emotional film but a relatable one. Our film also represents the struggles of teenage life and how although many adults believe they have it easier than anyone they don't and we will show that the stress of school and bullying impacts on teenagers mental health hugely. We aim to represent security and freedom for those many teenagers who feel embarrassed or ashamed of their mental health. We want to show that it can truly happen to anyone and by getting inside the mind of a real teenager we hope this will allow others to know they're no alone. Also the harsh scenes and script that will be shown in the film opening will shock some people which is what we want because the  majority of the time mental health isn't taken seriously and we want to represent the seriousness of it and help those who suffer. 

Statistics:

• One in ten children between the ages of one and 15 has a mental health disorder. (The Office for National Statistics Mental health in children and young people in Great Britain, 2005)

• Estimates vary, but research suggests that 20% of children have a mental health problem in any given year, and about 10% at any one time.  (Lifetime Impacts: Childhood and Adolescent Mental Health, Understanding The Lifetime Impacts, Mental Health Foundation, 2005)

• Rates of mental health problems among children increase as they reach adolescence. Disorders affect 10.4% of boys aged 5-10, rising to 12.8% of boys aged 11-15, and 5.9% of girls aged 5-10, rising to 9.65% of girls aged 11-15. (Mental Disorder More Common In Boys, National Statistics Online, 2004)