(Warning: potentially triggering content)
Jeff Baena dedicated himself to advancing the conversation about mental health before his death.
On Saturday, it was discovered that the 47-year-old filmmaker was tragically found dead Friday morning at his home in Los Angeles. THE Los Angeles Medical Examiner has since confirmed that he sadly took his own life. Beyond that, details surrounding Jeff’s death are scant… But what we do know is that he openly spoke about his family’s mental health history – something he was passionate about enough to make a film about .
Related: Liam Payne’s psychiatrist failed him weeks before his death – thought he needed a ‘higher level of care’
You may have heard of or seen the 2020 film Horse girl featuring Alison Brie. If not, take a look at the trailer (below):
Co-written by Jeff and Alison, the duo held a Q&A session on Reddit at the time of the film’s release, where the first people confided in their inspiration. He revealed:
“Alison and I both had family members who suffered from mental illness, and that had a major influence on our work on this topic.”
One user asked if the main character was sent home from a mental health facility when it was “clear she needed more help and support.” And Jeff replied:
“Unfortunately, people are released all the time while they still need treatment. The mandatory 72-hour detention only applies to patients who pose a danger to themselves, so they must be released after this evaluation period.
He also went further to reveal how mental health had affected his life:
“My first mother-in-law suffered from manic depression and frequented institutions in Miami due to the Baker’s Law (5150 in California.) »
How hard. This must have been difficult to see as a young person growing up…
The Redditor also asked if Horse girl serves as a “statement about how our systems fail us all, both in our mental and physical processing” – And Jeff said the following:
‘Even though I wouldn’t consider’Horse girl“For being an activist film, the themes of how we as a society and individuals treat people with mental illness was a major focus and impetus for making this film. »
Such an important message that absolutely must continue to be transmitted.
Regarding Alison’s experience, she noted that she “tapped into very real emotions” while writing and performing, as her grandmother suffered from “paranoid schizophrenia”. She wrote:
“This is based on family history of mental illness, particularly my grandmother’s schizophrenia, and my fear that it exists in my DNA.”
This is all even more difficult now…
Our hearts continue to be with Jeff’s loved ones during this unimaginable time. Rest in peace.
For mental health resources, visit https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/find-help
If you or someone you know is considering suicide, help is available. Consider contacting the 988 Suicide & Crisis lifeline on 988, by calling, texting or chatting, or go to 988lifeline.org
(Images via FayesVision/MEGA/WENN)