Hi everyone,

I hope you are all well.

I'm a filmmaker currently developing a short documentary about mental health in its various forms - depression, anxiety, OCD, etc. It is an important subject and should always have the attention it deserves, which is the reason I'm working on it.

**I messaged the mods of the forum asking if it was ok to post a series of questions to help understand how people feel about their mental health**

**Any responses that I get will NOT be used in the film. This is purely research on my part**

While researching the topic, I saw a lot of films and articles that are maybe a bit 'peachy' rather than being supportive or being something that can stimulate people to talk about their mental health. I'm currently talking with mental health charities and groups about how best to approach this subject.

I am also talking to mental health awareness groups to show the completed film at mental health awareness festivals, so in no way would the film be demeaning, exploitative or patronising in tone.

I appreciate your time and completely understand if you are not comfortable with this post or the questions. **If this is the case, I'm happy for the mods to delete this thread.**

So the questions I currently have are:

* How are you right now?
* How would you describe your mental health? How do you feel about it?
* How would you describe your mental health journey in one word?
* How did you recognise it? Was there a trigger?
* How do you cope? How does it affect you daily?
* How does it affect your relationships/interactions with others?
* Do you feel like you have had support from your family/friends or medical professionals?
* Have you spoken to anyone about it? Does it help?
* How do people treat you? Have you faced stigma over mental health?
* What do you want people to know about mental health? What don't they understand?
* Do you feel that society/social media affects your mental health (Facebook/Instagram etc)?
* Are the situations/places/times of the year that have a greater impact on your mental health?
* What are your hopes for the future?

I honestly appreciate your time for reading this post. Again, if there is anything that makes you feel uncomfortable, then I am happy to remove it/the thread. **Ultimately, the well-being and confidentiality of the users is my prime concern.  I would never betray that for a film**

Marty