Pelsity, Alabama (WBRC) – Sem;Colon is a mental health awareness project hosted by students at Pelsity High School. Their goal is to address the increasing depression, anxiety and suicidal thoughts among teens and students in her early teens.
Founder Anna Claire Hathorne says it all started when she was looking for ideas for a silent film project she was working on at her film club. She saw a suicide hotline number and came up with the idea to raise awareness and stigmatize her mental health.
Semicolons are often used to show support for those struggling with mental health or to muster strength in the storm.
Students launched the podcast in May with the support of Pell City Center for Education and Performing Arts. Part of CEPA’s “Black Box by Spotlight Studio”. They share real stories, experiences and expert information.
“It’s about mental health, mainly depression and de-stigmatizing suicide,” Hathorn says. “So podcasts and short films are kind of learning tools for people struggling with mental health to get information about how they deal with themselves and let people know they’re not alone. . struggle.”
Students are planning more events and working to expand Sem;colon. They want to serve and meet the needs of those who are struggling. Vice President Kaelyn Hill will host a web series called “Sem;colon Sound-Out” that includes interviews with mental health professionals with Jachian Dunnaville.
Cailyn Hill, vice president of Sem;colon, said: “And we really wanted to come together and make a difference within our community and start a conversation.”
With the help of CEPA, the podcast was used to create a short film script. The film was selected for the 2022 Sidewalk Film Festival.
Click here for more information on semicolons.
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