Free screenings of Anxious Nation coming to New Hampshire communities

Concord, NH (PRESS RELEASE) — NAMI New Hampshire, in partnership with our state’s 10 Community Mental Health Centers, will bring the documentary Anxious Nation to communities statewide beginning in May. These free screenings are made possible with the generous support of the Endowment for Health and New Hampshire Charitable Foundation.

Anxious Nation explores and captures the many faces and facets of anxiety. This feature-length documentary takes a deep look into the crisis of anxiety and mental health in America, especially its impact on youth (ages 10-26) and families.

“We are thrilled to bring Anxious Nation to New Hampshire with support from NAMI NH and the generosity of Endowment for Health and New Hampshire Charitable Foundation, where we hope to ignite a movement,” said Laura Morton, co-director, writer and producer of Anxious Nation. “This film represents a call to action for all of us to prioritize mental health awareness and support for those who are struggling. By partnering with other NAMI chapters across the country, we hope to amplify our message of hope and together, make a meaningful difference in the lives of those we reach.”

Anxious Nation will be presented in a variety of venues across New Hampshire — including theaters and high schools. Open to the public, events will feature a free documentary screening, panel discussion, and access to mental health and suicide prevention resources. The participation of local Community Mental Health Centers helps to ensure a safe and supportive environment for each event.

“We know the pandemic has had a profound impact upon children, youth, young adults, and their families,” shared Susan Stearns, executive director of NAMI New Hampshire. “The statewide screenings of Anxious Nation will provide opportunities for communities to join together in support of youth mental health while connecting to help and hope.”

Some locations will include exhibits from the Magnify Voices Expressive Art Contest — a key initiative of the NH Children’s System of Care (NH CSOC). Now in its fifth year, Magnify Voices recognizes and celebrates the creativity of youth as they share how mental illness has impacted their lives.

Artwork from Magnify Voices will be featured at the Anxious Nation event hosted at Red River Theatres in Concord on May 11; doors open at 5:30 pm with screening to start at 6:00 pm.  A panel discussion will follow the screening — panelists include Lynn Lyons, LICSW and Noah Cummings, who appear in Anxious Nation, along with Heather Gaylord and Melissa Colby from Riverbend Community Mental Health, and Cheryl Guerin, a NAMI NH volunteer. Additional upcoming Anxious Nation screenings will be held in Whitefield (May 10), Hampton (May 11), and Dover (May 18).  More information on these events, and future screenings, will be available at nhcbha.org/events.

For information about free mental health support and resources available from NAMI New Hampshire, visit NAMINH.org.

About NAMI New Hampshire
NAMI New Hampshire is a grassroots organization working to improve the lives of all people affected by mental illness and suicide through support, education and advocacy. Learn more at NAMINH.org.

About NH Community Behavioral Health Association
The NH Community Behavioral Health Association is an organization comprised of the ten community mental health centers throughout New Hampshire. Learn more at nhcbha.org.