The link between people with mental illness and those with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) gets examined in a short film by Shift. Shift is a social network for people with MS. Awake is an eye-opening examination of how MS and the sleeplessness that often accompanies the disease may affect patients that also have underlying mental health issues. The film bases the assertions on surveys that showed an overwhelming connection between these health concerns.
Approximately 1,300 MS sufferers responded to a survey taken in November 2019 by Shift. The results were surprising to many. According to the study, about 85 percent of people diagnosed with MS also suffered from insomnia. Most, around 75 percent, felt their mental health and overall sense of well-being were reduced due to their lack of sleep. In addition, 84 percent thought that the lack of sleep disrupted their day-to-day life.
Awake was directed by Matan Rochlitz, an independent filmmaker with experience as a journalist. The film discusses the concerns of everyday MS sufferers as told from the perspective of people with the disease. Awake shows the director on unedited and real phone calls placed by MS patients suffering from insomnia. The calls were placed at night by the people with MS to the director to enable them to speak openly about how they were affected at the moment. The result is a film that is startlingly genuine and does not try to hide the struggles many people experience every day of their life.
MS affects people of any age, but most people receive a diagnosis while in their 20s or 30s. It is the most common disability for people in their 20s. Women are more likely to have the disease. MS slightly reduces life expectancy and can affect vision, balance, arm and leg movement, and more. Doctors can treat the symptoms but a cure for the disease does not exist.
George Pepper and Freddie Yauner started Shift in 2009 after Pepper discovered he had MS. Pepper realized he needed more information than what was readily available about what to expect from the disease and how he could help himself. The social network was meant to connect him to others like him to share tips and information about MS. Today, the decade-old UK-based company is a global charity with more than 30,000 members. Awake is an important film that everyone should view regardless of whether they have MS.
More info: youtube.com
AWAKE: New film from Shift.ms
