Just Like You Films introduces “Just Like You Anxiety and Depression” this May

image courtesy of Jen Greenstreet

Just Like You Films, an Emmy nominated company, is releasing “Just Like You Anxiety and Depression” this May.

JLY films is a local, KC nonprofit film production company that creates powerful films to fight against serious topics. Their films have been nationally recognized — “Just Like You Autism” was nominated for an Emmy in 2015.

The goal of JLY films is to raise global awareness and motivate people to be more compassionate and empathetic.  

Their newest movie involves kids who are struggling with anxiety and depression. JLY presents tough topics in the film — there’s severe anxiety and depression depicted as well as death by suicide. The film emphasizes the support needed for peers living with anxiety and how to navigate these tough circumstances.

 The JLY motto is “know better, do better”, and this new film hopes to accomplish that globally. 

“It’s the kids’ stories. It was real. The kids were vulnerable about what they have gone through. It was touching and impactful,” sophomore Anna Stover, member of the teen board for JLY films, said.

JLY partners with organizations like Children’s Mercy Hospital and Operation Smile that are willing to help spread the word about their topics, in addition to partnering with kids and parents who are willing to participate. 

“I think parents find it as a wonderful resource to educate kids about different, unique circumstances and just how to be kind,” CEO of JLY Jen Greenstreet said.

JLY reaches out to people who have dealt with the problems they are addressing. The goal of the films is be real, natural and compassionate — something that is achieved by connecting with and letting kids who have been involved with struggles be a part of the film.

Their newest film was first shown on Jan. 9, when a private screening of the film was held at the Nelson-Atkins Museum. The film was 72 minutes long, but still has to be edited before it’s fully released. JLY hopes to finish it by May — mental health awareness month.

According to Greenstreet, JLY wants to create a kinder, more compassionate world for kids with anxiety and depression — they hope to do so by creating this new film.

Their films have been played 1.3 million times in 320 different countries worldwide, so they feel they are making a big impact with the feedback they get through social media. 

“We are trying to help others gain understanding for different situations,” Stover said.

JLY films can be found on youtube or the JLY website, and they hope they get many viewers who will bring awareness to the subject of anxiety and depression.