Suicide is the third-leading cause of death among the 15-24 year-old demo. A one-hour documentary for MTV, ‘Life Continued: Defeating Depression’ aims to empower viewers who are facing emotional struggles to reach out and get help. The special profiles two courageous millennials who suffer with depression and suicidal thoughts, but are back from the brink and living life to the fullest.
Sarah Virginia Sparkes has battled body image issues since childhood and anorexia since her pre-teen years. She is working with a counselor to live a healthy and happy life. Devin Price, a college athlete in Indiana, has struggled with depression since high school. Prior to filming, he came out of the closet to his friends and now worries whether or not they will accept him.
Both Sarah and Devin hope that by sharing their stories, they will help others living with depression. The Jed Foundation partnered with SoulPancake on ‘Life Continued,’ which aired on World Mental Health Day. The documentary has won both an Image and Prism Award.