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"Strive For Happiness" is a documentary film about the lives of those who live with or care for loved ones who suffer from the many forms of severe mental illness. The director's hope is that this film raises awareness about the illness, removes some of the stigmas that still exist, and hopefully makes some change in policies that currently exist (funding, etc.)The film is documented by director, Richard M. Patricia as it takes a closer look at his life growing up in a household with a "loved one" that suffered from bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, depression and obsessive compulsive disorder. The interviews throughout the film reflect what his life was like growing up in a household dealing with mental illness. His hope is that this film will catch the attention of many family members throughout the country that know or lived with a loved one who suffers from mental illness. This film will also relate to anyone who cares for someone with an illness in general.

Quote from Debra L. Wentz, Ph.D., CEO

New Jersey Association of Mental Health Agencies

"It is my feeling that "Strive For Happiness" would be very helpful to individuals who are caring for loved ones to remind them that they are not alone, for individuals entering the mental health field to enable them to see the individual as a person, and to the public to help them better understand mental illness and to eliminate the stigma that attaches to mental illness. The film really demonstrates how the understanding of a loved one goes a long way on the path to wellness. In addition, it helps to show that it is important to continue to love the person suffering from mental illness in their new form."


Quote from Virginia Saull, NAMI of Salem County

"Thanks so much for the DVD. It was outstanding. I hope you make many more films like "Strive for Happiness." Much luck in the future."

Life hasn't always been easy for Richard Patricia. "There were many, many hours of not so good times in my life," said Patricia. While growing up in Phillipsburg, a family member who Patricia refers to as a "loved one" suffered from mental illness. Patricia will admit it hasn't been easy, but he has become the voice of many who suffer from mental illness through a self-produced, award-winning documentary, "Strive for Happiness". The entire process has become cathartic, Patricia said, and is the culmination of a long journey. It began several years ago at Northampton Community College in a script writing class. Patricia chose to get personal and write about his family life prior to his moving out on his own at age 18. The script turned into a journal of sorts discussing his family life, particularly the ups and downs of life with a loved one who suffers from mental illness. Although this loved one is now doing fine, he said, the script empowered him, giving him the ability to speak openly about what many often keep quiet.
Visit www.striveforhappiness.com for more information about this film.

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