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Hiding in Plain Sight: Youth Mental Illness | Episode 1: The Storm

Streaming Now on PBS Passport

Hiding in Plain Sight: Youth Mental Illness | Episode 1: The Storm

The Storm, the first two-hour episode of Hiding in Plain Sight, focuses on more than twenty young people who provide an intimate look at what it’s like to experience the symptoms of mental illness, from depression to addiction to suicide ideation. The film includes insights from families, providers, and advocates and explores the impact of childhood trauma, stigma, and social media.

Erik Ewers and Christopher Loren Ewers are the co-directors, Julie Coffman is the producer, and David Blistein is the writer. The four-hour film is part of the Well Beings Youth Mental Health Project.


This four-part, eight hour series follows the journeys of more than 20 young Americans from all over the country and all walks of life, who have struggled with thoughts and feelings that have troubled—and, at times—overwhelmed them. Hiding in Plain Sight presents an unstinting look at both the seemingly insurmountable obstacles faced by those who live with mental disorders and the hope that many have found after that storm.

The film includes insights from families, providers, and advocates and explores the impact of childhood trauma, stigma, and social media. Curated segments of the film are available to support educators in their classrooms, for professional development, and for sparking conversation within the school community.

For related resources in the Hiding in Plain Sight Collection on PBS LearningMedia, visit the link below.

WellBeings.org is a health and wellness resource, not a crisis or suicide response website. If you are in crisis, or experiencing thoughts of suicide, please call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988. The service is free and available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.