Reviews & Quotes | The S Word

Educational Media Reviews Online (EMRO) | Bryan J. Sajecki, University at Buffalo
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED "This film will be a strong addition to any academic library, especially one with a focus on mental health and psychology. In addition, the film would benefit a younger audience in high schools and the general population."

Video Librarian ★★★½
"Presented in both its full-length version and a one-hour abridged edition, this powerful film about a tragically perennial mental health issue is highly recommended."

Booklist
"Via comments from psychologists and other experts, viewers learn the importance of bringing suicide and mental illness out in the open, breaking the stigma and silence. Even those participants who admit to ongoing struggles speak of hope for the future. An original music score accents this program that raises suicide-prevention awareness and opens avenues of discussion in an ultimately life-affirming fashion."

Films for the Feminist Classroom | Reviewed by Amy Chandler
"The S Word is useful for addressing mental health and illness, and particularly the role of “service user” or “lived experience” perspectives [...] The S Word is also accompanied by a number of free resources specifically designed to support the public showing of the film or its use in classroom settings."

Oakwood School, CA | Ivan Johnson, Dean of Students
"As a school administrator, I hear from parents and students everyday about the stress that our students are under. As educators we have a responsibility to do better; no kid should feel alone and feel like they have nobody who sees them. Changing the culture of our schools and changing the emotional experience our students are having is vital for our future as educators. THE S WORD will become one of the great tools for educators to start doing this work on a higher and more effective level."

Dr. Sally Spencer-Thomas, Impact Entrepreneur and Professional Speaker in Suicide Prevention
"THE S WORD will move your soul. Through both laughter and tears we walk on a journey with suicide attempt survivors and loss survivors as they find pathways back to hope and healing. When we debuted the movie with a private screening before it's official launch at the American Association of Suicidology's Annual Conference, the thunderous applause and standing ovation could be heard all over Phoenix. Lisa Klein is a genius -- able to capture the struggles and triumphs of all of the men and women in her film with such tenderness and compassion. This is by far the best depiction of a wide range of lived experiences with suicide that I have ever seen. It's bound to bring the ‘the S word’ out of the closet into the light of recovery."

Congregation Rodef Sholom | JoAnne Forman, LMFT, REAL Mental Health Initiative Program Coordinator
"Screening THE S WORD in our community had a powerful impact on breaking through the silence that so often surrounds talking about the topic of suicide. It has helped decrease stigma and provide space for people with lived experience to share their own stories and be supported in new ways by our community. THANK YOU for this beautiful film!"

Pivotal Points | Kevin Briggs, Speaker, Author & Veteran
"THE S WORD takes you on a profound journey through the minds of people who are struggling with mental health issues. Be prepared for an emotional roller coaster. It is superbly done and a must-see for anyone interested in behavioral health.”

American Association of Suicidology | Dr. Wiliam Schmitz Jr., PsyD, Past President
"THE S WORD has the potential to do more for suicide prevention in one year than I have in my career… We can all learn from this film."

Southeast Louisiana Veterans’ Health Care System | April Foreman, Psychologist
"I kept finding that I was crying and laughing at the same time. No one expects to be inspired by a documentary on suicide but viewers will leave informed, inspired and uplifted."

The University of Arizona | Galen McCaw, Media Specialist with Landmark Stories
"THE S WORD reminds us of the humanity of all people, of all walks of life, who have stood at the precipice of taking their own lives. The film's integrity is rooted in its honest depiction of the complexity of the problem of suicide, managing to be optimistic without ever straying from authenticity."