Words Can Work Videos and E-books
Words Can Work evidence-informed materials, created by Jeanne Blake, support families and communities in talking about the mental and public health challenges young people face growing up. Our advisors are from Harvard Medical School, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and other leading institutions.
Alcohol: True Stories Hosted by Matt Damon
Young people tell their powerful stories about drinking and driving, addiction, and avoiding alcohol use. 20 minutes. Recommended for grades 5 through 12, parents, and other caregivers. Download Discussion Guide here.
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Drugs: True Stories
Joel describes his abuse of alcohol and marijuana in middle school and addiction to prescription drugs by 10th grade. Joel, his parents, and his sister describe their denial, the spiraling addiction, and Joel’s ongoing recovery. Trevor, 18, tells how he remains drug free with support from his mother and mentors. H. Westley Clark, M.D., SAMHSA, and Howard Shaffer, Ph.D., Harvard Medical School, answer FAQ. 28 minutes. Recommended for grades 5 through college, parents, and other caregivers. Download Discussion Guide here.
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*In-home/Private use price doesn't include public performance rights for group viewing. Please respect this restriction.
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Depression: True Stories
Untreated depression is the leading cause of suicide. Three young adults, including professional basketball player Chamique Holdsclaw, describe living with depression, their thoughts of suicide, and their recovery. They tell how early diagnosis and treatment can transform and save lives. With discussion guide. 26 minutes. Recommended for grades 6 through college, parents, and other caregivers. Download Discussion Guide here.
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*In-home/Private use price doesn't include public performance rights for group viewing. Please respect this restriction.
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Bullying: True Stories
Four young people tell their true stories about bullying. Daniel tells why he stopped his bullying behavior; Daniel's target Courtney tells her story; Tre describes being shunned by a popular crowd; and Victor tells of being cyberbullied. We hear what actions finally stopped the bullying, and how schools handled bullying. 20 minutes. Recommended for grades 4 through 12, parents, and other caregivers. Download Discussion Guide here.
To stream this video click on one of the options below:
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*In-home/Private use price doesn't include public performance rights for group viewing. Please respect this restriction.
Contact us to purchase in DVD format for institutional use
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Words Can Work: When Talking About Depression
In this collection of poignant true stories young people candidly discuss living with depression, anxiety, suicidality and other mental health issues. Parents, siblings and peers describe their roles in supporting a loved one. Leading experts offer insight, strategies and the actual words to help young people and families start and continue potentially lifesaving conversations. Recommended for young people, parents and other caregivers.
Available at at Amazon
What People Are Saying
“… very effective, common sense, low key approach that genuinely opens the door for someone with depression to speak and ask for help. Also, it guides someone around a person that is depressed to get help for that individual who may be suicidal.”
Peggy Moses
NAMI Massachusetts
Words Can Work: When Talking About Drugs
In this collection of poignant true stories young people tell how illegal drugs impacted their lives. They openly discuss opioids, marijuana and other drugs, addiction, and the benefits of making healthy choices. Leading experts offer insight, strategies and the actual words to help young people and families start and continue potentially lifesaving conversations about drug use. Recommended for young people, parents and other caregivers.
Available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Apple Books
What People Are Saying
"… vitally important messages for parents and kids. We are so grateful for this valuable resource. Jeanne Blake is gold!”
Brian Johnson, MD
Words Can Work: When Talking About Alcohol
In this collection of poignant true stories young people tell how alcohol impacted their lives — from drinking and driving, binge drinking and alcohol poisoning, to addiction and other consequences. Leading experts offer insight, strategies and the actual words to help young people and families start and continue potentially lifesaving conversations about underage drinking. Recommended for young people, parents and other caregivers.
Available at Amazon, Barnes & Noble and Apple Books
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What People Are Saying
"... a whole world of valuable information in a deceptively small package."
Karen Friedman, FNP
Middlesex School
"... shows a thorough and careful understanding of teen-parent relationships, and of current research in the field of prevention."
Anara Guard
Director of Information & Marketing, Join Together
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Words Can Work: When Talking With Kids About Sexual Health
COMING SOON!
In this collection of poignant true stories parents and young people talk candidly about sexual health. They discuss puberty, values, relationships, sexual identity, postponing sex, birth control and more. Experts including Dr. Paula K. Rauch, Massachusetts General Hospital, and former Surgeon General Dr. David Satcher, offer facts, strategies and the actual words parents can use to talk with young people about sexual health.