HENDERSON, Nev. - Feb. 22, 2021 - The Avery Burton Foundation (ABF), a non-profit 501c.3 that aims to reduce the stigma around mental health through educational resources and storytelling announced it has partnered with A Barrel of Strangers Productions, LLC., on the release of "this isn't philosophical" (2021) – A Suicide Awareness Short Film intended as an informal public service announcement on how to and how not to interact with suicidal friends, family members and strangers.
"this isn't philosophical" pits two strangers in a mental battle for one of their lives who is just 15 minutes away from attempting to kill himself.
"We are excited to be teaming up with The Avery Burton Foundation. We researched national organizations and they were real passionate about helping students and families impacted by mental health disorders," Samuel Frye, Director and Virginia Tech University Filmmaker, said. "For individuals struggling with depression, and for those who don't know how to help their loved ones or friends, we hope our film will be a guide post to lead them to vital community resources like ABF that can help."
One of the ways ABF and Frye's film is helping is through sharing Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) tips. MHFA teaches individuals how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental illness and substance-use disorders.
Their training gives you the skills you need to reach out and provide initial help and support to someone who may be developing a mental health or substance-use problem or experiencing a crisis.
For more information about MHFA, email: info@averyburtonfoundation.org
"We are excited to partner with A Barrel of Strangers Productions, LLC. on their suicide-prevention film and efforts to remove the stigma and normalize the conversation around mental health disorders," Burton, Founder and President of ABF said. "Storytelling and connecting those in crisis with resources are powerful tools our foundation uses every day, so we are delighted to share our resources with even more people through this film short."
The film is currently streaming on YouTube at: https://youtu.be/lBC1Pk0d5zg.
ABF was founded by Burton and his family to honor his son, Avery Rashawn Burton, who two months after graduating from the University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV) suffered a major depressive episode and took his life in July 2017 at age 22. He had just received his degree in May 2017 in Kiniesiological Sciences and planned to pursue a doctoral degree in physical therapy at UNLV.
For more information please visit www.averyburtonfoundation.org.
You can learn more about Avery's Story in Reggie Burton's book, "This is Depression," his personal story of Avery's life and battle with depression available on Amazon or https://thisisdepressionthebook.com/
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