Excitement is in the Air!
Last week was an exciting one for the glow media world (Preceded by an exciting week, to say the least, in all our worlds!).  It began Saturday, Nov. 11, with a full day of soundtrack recording for our new films in the world renowned NRG Recording Studios in North Hollywood, CA.  Big shout out to Chris Wonzer for his wonderful work as our music producer. Special thanks to Dale Fisher and Paul Ill for their incredible talents and continued involvement with our projects.  It was also great to see the progress George Glowacki has made over the last few years as he continues to pursue his musical career.  His guitar riffs are amazing!  We have a few new names on these soundtracks including Kellii Scott, most notably from the band, Failure, on drums, the multi-talented Justin “Kong” Joyce on vocals and bass, and two young artists: Lexie RoseReinhold, and actor/singer Noah Chiet on vocals.  The energy in the studio was palpable! We are super excited to hear the finished products and share with you!

We capped off a busy week in Los Angeles attending Facing Addiction’sprogram highlighting the release of the Surgeon General’s report on Alcohol, Drugs, and Health, https://addiction.surgeongeneral.gov.  Our first film, Warning: Take Only as Directed, spoke directly to issues addressed in the report including the following:

• Nearly 70 percent of those who try an illicit drug before the age of 13 develop a substance use disorder within seven years, compared with 27 percent of those who first try an illicit drug after the age of 17, and
• People who first drink alcohol before age 15 are four times more likely to become addicted at some time in their lives than are those who have their first drink at age 20 or older.

In other words, the earlier the exposure, the greater the risk.  Additionally, almost 40% of those with a substance abuse disorder have underlying mental health issues and fewer than half ever receive treatment. Wow – what a confirmation of the needs that our films address.  Treating addiction as a disease reduces stigma and will lead to better treatments.  Treating mental health without similar stigmas will also lead to better outcomes.  Both will lead to happier, healthier lives for all.

You can find out more at glow media films or check out our new trailer by clicking on  #NEWFILMS.  We now move on to finalizing the music and incorporating the music into the films.  Stay tuned for premiere dates!

On the fund raising side, we have raised over $145K of our $200K goal and have established the financial foundation to see our efforts through to success.  Thanks to all that have supported us and if you haven't contributed yet, we'd welcome your donation!  You can find information about contributing at www.glowmedia.org/donate. 
 
I feel truly blessed to work on such an important effort.  I am also very thankful for all that have supported this project and look forward to showing you the fruits of all our efforts.  

Kindest Regards - Trish

Ask any psychologist what constitutes strong mental health, and they will often cite the importance of being seen, heard and valued.  One only needs to look at a central theme of this election cycle to see why this is important.  There are many people today who feel our systems of government, neither see nor hear them.  Politicians who pay attention to these groups of people, who perceive themselves as ignored, have been successful in giving them a feeling that they are valued.  We all respond positively to those who see and hear us. 
 
Large groups have the ability to make themselves seen and heard, especially during election season. How do we, as a society, ensure that our individual children and young people feel valued on a daily basis?  For when they don’t feel seen or heard, they struggle with their perceived value.  That is why, for example, peer pressure is so strong.  To feel like you fit in at a young age is very important.  We want our friends to see us and hear us.  We will do many things, both positive and negative just to be accepted.
 
Those that struggle with being seen or heard because they have a mental health challenge, are more likely to end up exacerbating these challenges with negative behaviors.  Giving a voice to these challenges, allows for those in these situations to be seen and heard.  Providing an environment where the young person can then face these challenges with openness and transparency, without stigma, has the potential to change outcomes.
 
Our films at glow media seek to create an environment where a voice is given to those facing mental health challenges.  When the adolescents in the films model the struggle many students face, students viewing the films will feel less alone, less stigmatized by their own issues.  The teens in the film model what it is like to confide in friends about a problem, and to seek advice from a parent, a coach, or a school counselor.  The importance of getting support and learning coping strategies is emphasized.   Through our educational series, schools can present our films and start discussions, raising the chances that young people will feel valued despite the challenges they face. 
 
The 2016 presidential election will be decided one way or the other today (hopefully!) Large groups of people will continue to demand that their voices be heard.  Young people should and will be heard if they are valued by their peers, educators, and parents or guardians.  An individual voice can be as effective as a group, and certainly deserves the same amount of value!

For more information go to www.glowmedia.org

November 6, 2016 - glow media is excited to announce the release of our trailer for our new films.  You can view the trailer at glow media NEW FILMS.  The films follow three high school friends as they navigate the usual ups and downs of teenage life, while also dealing with significant underlying mental health difficulties.  The issues addressed in the films include anxiety and depression, body image, eating disorders, and struggles with sexual preferences. Check out the trailer and let us know what you think.