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“The purpose of a documentary is twofold: to educate and to entertain. The news media ideally is primarily looking to educate. A documentary fits into that. But there is a sense of film and a sense of going to see a movie and cinema that you should pursue when you are making a documentary. You want to make it beautiful, engaging and you want to make a really great story while also telling an honest story about an important issue,” he says.

A Lens on Truth – UMKC Alumni Association

“All These Flowers” will be screened at The Tivoli on December 16, 2015, at 8 p.m. If you are interested in attending the screening, arrive early and speak to the staff in the ticket office. Tickets are given on a first-come, first-serve basis.

The film will also be screened immediately following the Film & Media Arts Student Showcase event on December 16, 2015, at 6:30 p.m.

A great Ted Talk on how and why we need to talk about suicide

Review from Yelp from Rob M.

“DBSA is a national organization sponsoring peer-led support groups for people living with depression and bi-polar disorder. This review is for the group that meets Thursday nights between 7:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. at Cong. B’nai Jehudah in Overland Park. I’ve been attending for over a year now and it’s been a great support resource. Personally I haven’t faced a lot of issues with accepting my diagnosis, or other people accepting it, but many folks have experienced these issues and, if you’ve been in denial or just unclear about what is going on with you, a diagnosis can be pretty scary! The folks here are warm, friendly and non-judgmental, and many have been dealing pretty successfully with their illness for years! Some people have been coming ever since this group started up a bit more than a year ago, others are brand new, but everyone is welcome and gets a chance to talk and share (if they wish to). You’ll feel at home with us in no time.

DBSA does take the view that these illnesses are caused by chemical imbalances in the brain and that, for most of us, lifetime medication will probably be necessary, just as if we were diabetic or have thyroid problems! A few particpants don’t take meds and the group isn’t judgmental about that, but we know from personal experiences that not taking meds or not being compliant with them is usually a recipe for disaster, sooner or later. But nobody is “pushed” to go on meds if they don’t want to, although almost all of us can testify to the difference the meds have made in our lives. Of course the group doesn’t negate the need for talk therapy, but it’s an excellent adjunct and it’s really good to be with a group of nice people who actually “get” what you’ve been going through! (BTW, most of us have these diseases chronically. A few are dealing with situational depression, like after a death or divorce or loss of a job, and those folks may well be able to discontinue medication once their situations stabilize and they emerge from their depression. But for most of us this is an illness we’ll have to deal with for the rest of our lives. Of course, symptoms vary and can change as we age, so meds periodically get adjusted or changed to be sure they’re still working.)

We aren’t medical professionals and we’re not a substitute for professional care. But many of us have a lot of experience that we can share with people who are newly diagnosed and perhaps help save them some of the heartaches this illness can bring. Some of us have gone through some very heavy experiences, but have managed to emerge on the other side surprisingly intact! The meetings are casual, with 10 – 20 people depending on the night. We almost always have coffee and some kind of refreshments. We ask for a $3 donation each night to cover the refreshments, the nominal rent the Congregation charges us, and dues to the national DBSA organization. If you can’t afford that some nights, there’s no pressure to donate. Many of us have (or had) employment problems because of the disabling effects of our diseases and we all know what that’s like! So please don’t let that inhibit you from coming. The group is also open to people of all religious backgrounds and sexual orientations. If this turns out not to be the group for you we have quite a few resources we can refer you to so you don’t have to feel like you wasted an evening. We’ve also collectively been on just about every medication there is and seen many physicians and therapists, so if you have questions about meds or professionals you can get a lot of information from us.

The group varies in ages. Some folks are in their 20s or 30s, others in their 50s and 60s (the aging baby boomers). Most nights after the meeting we go to a nearby bar or restaurant for less formal chatting and making new friendships! Except for some national and Jewish holidays, the group meets every Thursday. Call or checki the website to save a trip if you’re coming from far away. There ARE some other DBSA support groups in the metro, which you can locate on the national website, but I can’t speak to them because I’ve been so pleased with this one that I haven’t checked out any of the others! And even if your problem isn’t primarily depression or bi-polar, you’re still welcome. A few of our members have other issues, like anxiety, OCD or borderline personality disorder. We also welcome “sane” people who are living with family members or loved ones with these illnesses. For some diagnoses there may not be any local or nearby group, so you can check us out. Of course, if you are currently experiencing heavy duty symptoms, are suicidal or don’t feel fully in touch with reality this is NOT the group for you. We aren’t a crisis center — if you’re experiencing those kinds of things PLEASE call your providers, the local mental health center or 911 or go to the E.R.! But once you’re stable come see us! We can help support you in maintaining that stability!”

Hi Paige,

I just want to thank you for the awesome support group last night. The demeanor you have in leading the group is so helpful – you make everyone feel welcome and you validate each person’s contribution. What a wonderful group you have built.

After his first time visiting a week ago, “Tom” was practically euphoric about it when we left! He told me we would be coming to this group every week! I was SO happy to hear that he had felt supported and not alone in his struggles. Next to finding a great counselor for him, this was our biggest step forward in finding support in KC for his process and healing. (And, now I realize, for me too.)

He has been reticent about each step on this journey so it speaks Volumes that he immediately connected and wanted to come again……

I’ve been in many different kinds of groups over the years and you have a special gift. Not just because you are super positive – that’s awesome – but even if you have your days when you are not able to be so, there’s a genuineness, openness, and strength about you that makes people safe and at ease. It’s a gift that comes from battle scars…staying the course yourself and not giving up, which is just present in who you are and encourages others they can make it too.

Both you and Jim are so able to create a safe, encouraging, positive environment to share. Thank you, thank you.

Bless you for your help and kindness and your commitment to create this good place. Looking forward to more.

Warmly,
Jane