By Adi Moonilal
In Teen Mental Health: Breaking the Silence with Real Solutions, director Gabriela Zavala explores the alarming rise in teen mental health challenges and suicide rates following the global pandemic. The documentary adopts a clear, empathetic lens, weaving together firsthand accounts from professionals and educators who are actively working to cultivate safer, more supportive communities.
One of the film’s core strengths is its focus on accessible, real-world solutions. Rather than merely highlighting the problems at hand, Zavala showcases proactive measures—from school-based mental health programs to peer-led support groups—that help teens build resilience and find hope. The genuine voices of young people take center stage, making the issue feel immediate and personal. Their stories remind us that mental health struggles can affect anyone, but with open dialogue and the right resources, these challenges can be addressed and overcome.
The short documentary also offers insights for parents, caregivers, and professionals, underlining the importance of early intervention and normalizing conversations around mental health. Teen Mental Health: Breaking the Silence with Real Solutions acts as both a call to action and a blueprint for constructive change, urging viewers to engage in supportive dialogue, advocate for comprehensive resources, and work together to break the harmful silence that too often surrounds adolescent mental health.
Rating: 4/5 stars
Adi Moonilal is a Cinema and Media Studies student at York University, specializing in Film. Passionate about both theory and practice, Adi combines critical film analysis with on-set experience, frequently working as a Grip, Gaffer, or G&E Swing. Whether diving into the intricacies of film theory or supporting the creation of new projects, Adi is always exploring the dynamic world of cinema.
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