MyFilmClub® writers supporting Mental Health Awareness Week with their personal stories of suffering from mental health disorders
Chat. Book. Meet. Repeat. MyFilmClub® – Cinema made Social.
Under the Influence Of… are pleased to announce that their exciting app, MyFilmClub®, will be supporting Mental Health Awareness Week as part of an ongoing commitment to help those battling with disorders such as anxiety and depression to overcome the debilitating illnesses.
Various writers share their intimate stories of how writing about movies, visiting the cinema and pushing themselves to socialise again have helped them achieve success in both their business and social lives.
During Mental Health Awareness Week, MyFilmClub® (now available for free via the App Store and Google Play), which was founded on the principle of ‘cinema made social’, is hoping to be an enterprise that promotes awareness and helps with bringing down barriers surrounding the stigma by sharing intimate stories from their staff who have all struggled with mental health issues. Founder Wez Merchant has been battling a balance disorder for 4 years. Other reviewers tell their stories.
Denny Ledger
Denny Ledger’s battle against depression and Aspergers was ultimately helped by his escape into the world of movies – providing him with a much-needed lifeline.
“My love for film continues to grow, continues to fascinate and intrigue me, and most of all keeps my mind on track and away from the trappings of the mental health abyss.”
Sarah Buddery
Sarah Buddery, who also contributes reviews for MyFilmClub®, has said, “When all I wanted to do was lie in bed, fighting with the thoughts in my own head which made me constantly feel on edge and wrought with anxiety, I would force myself to get in my car and drive to the cinema. I met my now boyfriend Martin through this wonderful online community, someone who is just as passionate about movies as I am (maybe even more so!), who has provided constant support and rock in my most difficult times and continues to stand by me even when my anxiety is making it difficult. It is through movies and through writing about movies that I was able to meet Martin, and for that, I am eternally grateful!.”
Marie Ellis
Fellow MyFilmClub® reviewer and Editor of Broke Girl in the City, Marie Ellis, said, “I have suffered from anxiety and depression over the years. During a bad sleep of insomnia, I chatted with Wez on Facebook. We would check in on each other when we were both not feeling so great. Working with him on MyFilmclub® handed me a lifeline when I was at a bad time in my life. Writing and feeling part of the MyFilmClub® community has helped me immensely and offered me a creative outlet which I am incredibly passionate about.”
Ashley Northey
Writer Ashley Northey said, “Even during my worst bouts of depression and anxiety, I was still about to lose myself in film. I think it offered me a form of mindfulness that enabled me to focus on that moment. It also kept me socially active. Getting out and talking to people really helped.”
During the week, they will also be highlighting some of the most prevalent films surrounding mental health via their social media channels.
Film industry veteran Wez Merchant initially conceived the idea during a debilitating illness that caused him to suffer from depression and anxiety himself.
With the mental health issue, stigma slowly eroding. MyFilmClub® is hoping to be an enterprise that promotes awareness and helps with bringing down barriers around this issue.
Wez Merchant says, ‘Having been in the battle of my life, a battle which ultimately led to the creation of the MyFilmClub® community app, I have learnt it is very important to be open and honest regarding struggles you may have because it opens doors. It opens doors to conversations that may ultimately lead to you achieving the breakthroughs you need on the road to recovery. It’s important to talk, rejoin communities and get yourself involved in life again. This is why we are keen advocators of Mental Health Awareness Week and its aims. If our app and messaging help just one person, it has all been worth it.
MyFilmClub® supports mental health.
The app has been downloaded over 10,000 times since it launched in June. It seeks to encourage those suffering from mental health disorders to seek help in social activities. Namely venturing out to the cinema. The summer movie season is in full swing, and the box office is at an all-time high. The app is hoping its users will venture to their nearest multiplex to catch one of the big summer movies. Or head to outdoor film events such as Pop Up Screens or Rooftop Film Club.
MyFilmClub® is the UK’s first film app with inbuilt social integration. It has been re-launched with a newer, sleeker and cleaner interface. Amongst its services, the app allows users to create clubs. Watch trailers. Find and book cinema tickets and, most importantly, chat with other film fans via the Clubs area. It’s this ‘social’ element that really makes the app unique, especially for those suffering from social anxiety.
MyFilmClub® is available to download for free on iPhones, iPads and Android devices and mobile phones now via the App Store and Google Play
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