Secret Fear

From The Fanlight Collection

Directed by Eva Orner and Sarah Stephens

52 minutes / Color
Release: 1997
Copyright: 1997

From Oscar-winning producer Eva Orner (Taxi to the Dark Side), this multi-faceted documentary explores the full spectrum of anxiety-related disorders, from panic attacks and phobias to obsessive compulsive disorder. Everyone experiences anxiety at some stage in their lives, but for an estimated ten percent of the population, anxiety will become debilitating to the point of illness. Many may believe that they are on the verge of insanity, while others try to self-medicate with alcohol or drugs. In many cases anxiety disorders may lead to depression and some victims come to believe that suicide is the only escape. This documentary focuses on the lives of several people who suffer from or have recovered from disorders including generalized anxiety disorder, phobias such as agoraphobia, social phobia, panic attacks, post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, compulsive hoarding, cutting or other self-injury, compulsive hair pulling, and obsessive compulsive disorder.

In addition to the firsthand accounts of a thoughtful and appealing group of anxiety "survivors," the documentary uses expressive imagery and reenactments which bring the trauma of these personal experiences into vivid reality for viewers. In pursuit of recovery, they have explored conventional medical approaches as well as Tai Chi, medication and other alternative approaches. Many have benefited from cognitive behavioral therapy. The film provides no neat answers, but invites understanding of these often underestimated disorders.

"An enthralling film…although there are no neat solutions, there is hope through the stories of people who have found a way through."—Sydney Morning Herald

Other Ways to Watch

Individuals

Available online from:

Colleges, Universities, Government Agencies, Hospitals, and Corporations

Purchase DVD for $225.00

Credits

Eva Orner and Sarah Stephens

Select Accolades

  • Certificate of Creative Excellence, U.S. International Film & Video Festival

RELATED TITLES

Four people with bipolar disorder, along with their families and psychiatrists, share their struggles to achieve control over the illness and their lives.

Jonathan David | 1987 | 56 minutes | Color | English

Compulsive hoarding has been linked to Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and dementia. This video profiles two families whose lives have been shaped by the "packrat," behavior of a family member.

Kris Britt Montag | 2004 | 28 minutes | Color | English

Some people can't seem to throw anything away. This engaging documentary invites us to enter the mind of the compulsive hoarder, while dispelling the stereotype that all "packrats" are isolated elderly derelicts.

Arwen Curry & Cerissa Tanner | 2006 | 20 minutes | Color | English