"Anxious Nation"-Virtual Movie Screening & Live Panel Discussion -

Join NAMI-Santa Clara County for a virtual screening of the movie “Anxious Nation”

and a live panel discussion afterwards.

NOTE: This event will be an online Webinar.

Date: Tuesday, May 12, 2026

Time: 6:00 – 8:30PM (PDT)

“Anxious Nation”

Anxious Nation (2022) is a documentary film directed by Laura Morton and Vanessa Roth that explores mental health in the U.S., focusing on its impact on children and young adults (ages 10-26) and their families. After the virtual movie screening, a live panel will discuss the film and youth mental health.

Support Youth Mental Health – Give What You Can

While tickets for “Anxiety Nation” are available at a minimum of $10, we invite you to contribute more if you’re able. Proceeds from this event will help support NAMI-SCC’s Ending the Silence (ETS) program, which brings mental health education and awareness to youth in our community.

ETS reaches students directly in schools, helping them recognize the signs of mental health conditions, reduce stigma, and learn how to seek help for themselves or a friend.

Together, we can ensure more young people have the knowledge and support they need.

Your support can make a real impact:

- $50 can provide educational materials and resources for students for one presentation
- $75 can help us conduct outreach in the community about ETS and youth mental health
- $125 can help fund a classroom presentation reaching young people with life-saving information

Any amount helps us expand access to mental health education for youth.

See the event flyer here.

Reserve Your Ticket Here

NOTE:

We strive to make this event accessible to all. If the $10 ticket price is a barrier, please email Jen Larson at jlarson@namisantaclara.org

We’re happy to offer options so you can join us.

Live Panel Discussion: Meet Our Panelists

Moderator: Moryt Milo

Moryt Milo is a veteran journalist and editor, whose opinion pieces appeared in newspapers nationwide. She is an editor at San José Spotlight and was the former editor of the Silicon Valley Business Journal and a reporter and editor for the Silicon Valley Community Newspapers. In 2012, after her son was diagnosed with serious mental illness, her focus turned to mental health advocacy. She writes articles for the NAMI newsletter, blogs for the website and posts interviews with individuals advocating for changes to the mental health system. She also helps organize and moderate events for NAMI.

Panelist: Laura Morton

Laura Morton is the author of over 60 books and a staggering 23 New York Times bestsellers, with a wide range of celebrities, including Jennifer Hudson, Al Roker, Deborah Roberts, Justin Bieber,the Jonas Brothers, Susan Lucci, Joan Lunden, Melissa Etheridge, Katherine Schwarzenegger, Kathy Ireland and Danica Patrick, just to name a few. She has also written bestselling business books with John Maxwell, Bob Parsons, Dave Liniger, Glenn Stearns, and many others. Laura has been involved in the entertainment industry for more than 30 years as a writer, producer, and entrepreneur. Laura co-directed, produced, and wrote the award-winning documentary Anxious Nation, her first feature, which focuses on the crisis of anxiety in America, especially its impact on our youth and their families, available to stream on Amazon, Google Play, and Apple TV.

Panelist: Dr. Nahal Zakerani

Dr. Nahal Zakerani is a California-licensed pediatric psychologist with expertise in neuropsychology and health psychology. A Bay Area native, she earned her undergraduate degree from UC Berkeley and completed her Master’s and Doctoral training at Palo Alto University. Her clinical journey included a residency at Doernbecher Children’s Hospital at Oregon Health & Science University and a neuropsychology fellowship at Kaiser Foundation Rehabilitation Center. Before joining El Camino Hospital, Dr. Zakerani worked in several leading Bay Area medical centers. For over a decade, she has been a key contributor to El Camino’s ASPIRE program—an intensive outpatient mental health program for youth ages 11–25 and their families. She has served as a consultant to medical centers interested in developing similar programs and provides clinical supervision to training clinicians. In addition to her hospital-based work, Dr. Zakerani maintains a small private practice, offering individualized, compassionate care. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family and can often be found cheering on her children at soccer games and gymnastics meets.

Panelist: Dr. Hogan Shy

Dr. Hogan Shy has been practicing internal medicine for over 20 years. In his years of treating patients, he has seen how vital mental health is in people’s lives. He has a passion for helping people and is a staunch advocate for NAMI. Dr. Shy’s dedication to mental health extends beyond individual patient care. He has served as a clinician and educator at low-income clinics in San Jose. He has also worked in the department of corrections helping those with mental and physical challenges. He grew up in Cupertino and enjoys playing basketball, kickboxing, and tinkering on his guitar.

Panelist: Rachel Cucchiara

Rachel Cucchiara is the Youth Program Administrator for NAMI Santa Clara County, where she supports youth mental health education in schools and communities. She is also an “Ending the Silence” and “In Our Own Voice” presenter, speaking to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and empower people to have open conversations about mental health.

Currently studying Psychology, Rachel is deeply passionate about mental health education, prevention, and creating spaces where people feel seen, supported and not alone. Drawing from her own personal mental health journey, she uses storytelling to inspire hope, connection, and openness. In addition to her work in schools, she raises awareness by speaking at local gyms and community events, helping bring mental health conversations into everyday spaces. Through community outreach, public speaking, and advocacy, she aims to foster resilience and expand understanding around mental health.