WQPT will screen excerpts from the film, “A Reason to Live,” and an engaging panel discussion about suicide prevention and mental wellness at 5 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 12, at Western Illinois University – Quad Cities Campus.
The event will be in person at 111 Riverfront Hall on the WIU campus at 3300 River Drive, Moline. There also will be a virtual viewing option.
Every day, 20 young people die by suicide in the United States, the public television station said in a news release.
“A Reason to Live,” is a powerful documentary on teen and young adult depression and suicide. If features honest and introspective stories of despair and hope. The film also sheds light on the mental illness behind the second leading cause of death among 15–24 year-olds.
The panel discussion will reflect on the film’s excerpts shared during the screening. The discussion will be moderated by Dr. Carrie Alexander-Albritton. She’s WIU professor of the Department of Counselor Education, College Student Personnel, and Social Work.
She will be joined by a panel composed of WIU Department of Education clinical mental health counseling interns.
The full-length version of “A Reason to Live” will air on WQPT PBS, Sept. 12, at 9 p.m.
The documentary features 12 personal stories from diverse young people and their families. Filmmakers Allen and Cynthia Salzman Mondell created it after a friend’s son died by suicide.
With input from crisis line professionals and mental health experts, the film sensitively portrays depression while offering guidance on recognizing warning signs and seeking help.
