Homelessness is a symptom, not a cause. Many factors can contribute to a family or individual losing their housing, including mental health issues that have been exacerbated by the pandemic.

A special event next month will shine a light on how to recognize and deal with debilitating anxiety. The free online event, scheduled for Wednesday, May 11, 2022 will include a screening of the movie “Angst” and a panel discussion with mental health experts.

“We are honored to help the community deepen it’s understanding of mental health challenges and to destigmatize open conversations,” said Director of Development Julie Clemens. “By understanding how to recognize the signs of anxiety, we foster deeper understanding and build actual skills to help ourselves and our neighbors.”

“Angst” is a 43-minute documentary that examines how to best treat the anxiety we see around us. The film’s mission is to start a global conversation that raises awareness of the widespread mental health struggles in society, and it does so with expert perspectives and an exclusive interview with Olympic swimming champion Michael Phelps.

Following the film, viewers will be invited to attend a panel discussion about the film and lessons we can learn and apply. The chat will include “Angst” producer Karin Gornick, whose project was inspired by her teenage son’s struggle with an anxiety disorder, and senior clinical psychologist Dr. Jerry Bubrick, who serves as director of the Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Service at the Child Mind Institute.

The film screening is set to start at 7 pm, and the event will take place on Zoom. In total, the documentary and panel discussion are expected to last approximately one hour and 40 minutes.

It’s the second straight year SHELTER, Inc., has held an interactive event with an eye-opening film as its centerpiece. Last June, the organization streamed “The Invisible Class,” a movie chronicling the factors behind America’s struggle with homelessness. That was followed by a discussion with Bay Area leaders on how to attack the problem at a local level.