In recognition of World Mental Health Day on Oct. 10, MTV teamed up with Rainn Wilson to air Life Continued: Defeating Depression. The 60-minute documentary aimed to shed light on depression and help empower viewers.
“The special responds to the fact that suicide is the third-leading cause of death among young people ages 15-24, and aims to empower viewers facing emotional struggles to get help or to support friends in need,” MTV said in a press release.
The show was created by SoulPancake, a production company co-founded by The Office‘s Rainn Wilson. On Thursday, Rainn told USA Today the topics discussed in Life Continued are near and dear to his own heart.
“It’s called Life Continued for a reason, and that’s because you can continue. For young people to be able to see their stories and see what they did to get through it … that can do a great deal of good for someone who is feeling hopeless,” Rainn said. “As soon as you reach out — and that’s where the statistics are really amazing — for 80% of the people who reach out and get help for their depression, they overcome it.”
The show, which was reminiscent of a True Life episode, introduced viewers to two college students determined to overcome depression…
Sarah is a British transplant who struggled with body image issues since her childhood and anorexia since her pre-teen years. Under the guidance of a counselor, she is determined to push beyond her comfort zone and lay those insecurities to rest.
Devin is a college athlete in Indiana who battled depression since high school when he felt unable to express his true self. He finally decided to come out of the closet shortly before the show began, but still worries whether friends will accept him.
Watch Sarah and Devin in the full Life Continued: Defeating Depression documentary.
The show was supported by Half of Us and Love is Louder, which offer resources to those struggling with mental health issues. Check out both sites and join the #lifecontinued movement.
