FEP

WHAT THEY SEE BUT YOU DON’T

What is my idea and why am I doing it?

My idea is a documentary about mental health, I am going to get people that have/are suffering with ANY kind of mental health, to tell their story, where it came from for them, where it began. The reason for this is because everyone has their own story when it comes to this topic, also a lot of people misunderstand mental health, they see it as something that it isn’t. I would like to spread awareness with this project, the reason for this is because a lot of my family and friends, also myself included have suffered and still are suffering with mental health. I am going to get people to act what the person is saying (the person telling their story), however some people that are telling their story may want to act, this might also be easier to do, the reason for this because it requires less people, meaning less release forms to fill out (etc.) (etc.). However, I am hoping that is how it goes but if I do have to get some actors for each person that is telling their story that is okay as well, although I do think it would look better if it is the person telling their story acting, the reason for this is because I think it would make more sense and allow the audience to have a better understanding of the illness, the reason for this is because they’ve gone/going through this themselves, therefore know what it is like for them, so them showing it should be easier than someone that has not suffered. Also, even for professional actors it will be quite difficult to act like they have mental health when they themselves have never suffered with it, the reason for this is because they will not have a true understanding of it. With me knowing someone with multiple mental health issues I think this would help people learn more because they can see and hear the story from someone who has and is still experiencing this in their day to day life, therefore this makes it more realistic, making it more believable which will encourage more people to speak up about their issues and if I make it clear that it is a true story hopefully more people will find the documentary and reduce the amount of suicides. I think this is

What is the message of the documentary?

The message of this documentary is to help people to have a better understanding as to how bad mental health can really affect people, the reason for this is because a lot of people will say “well you look fine”, just because your eyes cannot see it doesn’t mean it isn’t there. Everyone’s feelings are valid no matter if what they are going through can be seen by another person or not. I hope to encourage others to speak up about their issues, I know it can be difficult especially if you are not close with your parents and they do not get it. What I mean by this is I think having a day off due to mental health issues is the same as being off for being unwell physically, this is because if there is not motivation in your mind or ambition to do things, the things you do when you feel that way are not going to be the best of your ability, I think it is important to take time for yourself. I want to normalise it being spoken about, it would help people be more comfortable speaking about it, this would be motivating to those suffering that do not have anyone they feel comfortable speaking it, this is because it may encourage them into seeing a professional about it and getting help. Also, with people telling their stories, I am also going to get them to say what helped them when their mental health was at its worst, what helped them when they were at their lowest. The reason why I want to do this is because the things that helped/help them may help other people because it is hard to find things to get you out of that frame of mind, but when you find that things, the times you are suffering gets reduced so much. To help achieve this message I would like to post it on YouTube, get my family and friends to share it because this will help to get it more well-known, therefore helping more peoples speak up about their issues. The genre of my documentary performative, the reason for this is because I am going for the realistic approach and my voice is not going to be in it, I am just getting someone to tell their story. I am discovering subjective truths, helping others to learn more about it and the history of it.