Watch Out of Mind, Out of Sight

Out of Mind, Out of Sight is a documentary film from 2014 that explores the experiences of several teenagers who suffer from severe mental health issues, particularly dissociative identity disorder (DID). Directed by Emmy-winning director John Kastner, the film follows the students of a high school in Brockville, Ontario, Canada, for an entire school year as they attend therapy sessions, try to cope with their disorders, and navigate the challenges of adolescence.

The film focuses mainly on the lives of four teenagers: Michael, Scott, Sean, and Amanda. Michael is a sweet-natured young man who suffers from DID, which causes him to have multiple distinct personalities, some of which are more dangerous and unpredictable than others. Scott is a troubled youth with a history of violence and self-harm, who also struggles with DID. Sean is a charming and outgoing student who seems like he has everything going for him, but is actually battling a severe eating disorder that has landed him in the hospital several times. Finally, Amanda is a bright and energetic student who is constantly struggling to balance her schoolwork, social life, and the overwhelming anxiety and depression that she experiences on a daily basis.

Throughout the film, we see the students attend group therapy sessions with their counselor, Karen O'Toole, who helps them to explore their emotions and develop coping mechanisms for dealing with their mental health issues. We also see them interact with their teachers, friends, and families, as they try to maintain some semblance of a normal life despite the challenges they face. At times, their struggles are heartbreaking to watch, as they endure panic attacks, flashbacks, and painful memories that threaten to overwhelm them.

Despite the heavy subject matter, Out of Mind, Out of Sight is not a depressing or hopeless film. Kastner approaches the subject matter with sensitivity and respect, and his subjects are treated with compassion and understanding. The film does not shy away from the difficult realities of mental illness, but it also highlights the resilience and strength of the teenagers who are fighting to overcome their disorders.

One of the most striking aspects of the film is the way in which it explores the intersection of mental health and adolescence. The students in the film are not just struggling with their disorders; they are also grappling with the pressures of growing up in a complex and often brutal social environment. They must contend with peer pressure, romantic relationships, academic expectations, and the natural desire for independence and self-discovery that comes with being a teenager. All of these factors can exacerbate their mental health issues, and the film does an excellent job of showing how they navigate these challenges while also trying to heal and grow.

Another strength of the film is its focus on diverse voices and experiences. The students in the film come from different backgrounds and have different experiences with mental illness. Some, like Michael and Scott, have been in and out of psychiatric hospitals for years. Others, like Amanda, are just beginning to explore the depth of their emotions and the impact of their mental health on their lives. Through their stories, the film highlights the complex and multifaceted nature of mental illness, and the importance of treating each person as an individual with their own unique experiences and needs.

Overall, Out of Mind, Out of Sight is an insightful and thought-provoking documentary that sheds light on a topic that is too often stigmatized and misunderstood. Through its sensitive portrayal of the lives of these teenagers, the film invites us to expand our understanding of mental health and to approach these issues with empathy and compassion. It is a powerful reminder of the strength of the human spirit, and of the immense challenges that some people face in their daily lives.

Out of Mind, Out of Sight is a 2014 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 27 minutes.