Documentary Challenges: When to Intervene?

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I have been following Adam now for 17 months and watching as he attempts to navigate his mental distress.  It has become very apparent that, for a person like Adam, finding help while navigating the social stigmas he faces is a challenging process to say the least.

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An article about Adam’s beating in Maui appeared in the local newspaper, Maui Now. Some of the comments following the article state that the “mokes” should take the influx of homeless into their own hands and clearly illustrate the stigmatization the homeless face there.

I believe that Adam’s struggles and the stigmas he faces are an important part of this story, but at the same time watching Adam trying to figure it out on his own while facing the duel stigmas of mental illness and homelessness has been frustrating for me.  I find myself wanting to intervene and help him. This is why, when Adam told me he would be returning to live on the beach after he left the hospital in Hawaii, I offered to get him a plane ticket home. This shifted my role as a documentarian, but I was truly concerned for Adam’s safety.

I’m now wishing that Adam had a mentor that could help him navigate the process he’s going through – much like the guides that helped the Shamans I’ve met. I would like to help Adam find someone that could serve that role for him. But, again I am faced with questions. Should I intervene? Would my suggestions even be helpful? Should I be the observant and objective documentarian or is it okay to simply be someone who is trying to help a new friend?

12 Responses to “Documentary Challenges: When to Intervene?”

    • Phil Borges

      Hi Edith,

      I’m very familiar with that tragic story. I understand the issues that led to his suicide were quite complex.

  2. Greg Tuke

    Such a tough choice. I usually, when faced with this, end up choosing to be part of the story rather than just reporting, if I think I can help. And then I try to convince myself into thinking I really didn’t. I doubt this is the best solution, I just find it nearly impossible to do otherwise…

  3. Laurie Schur

    I am a clinical social worker & a documentary filmmaker so the helper gene is firmly entrenched AND I think it’s always good to feel out if someone wants involved help or really feels helped enough from the friendship and sharing. There’s probably not one answer but rather a feeling out in each situation what feels right at the time.

    • Phil Borges

      Hi Laurie,

      Thanks for your comment! It’s great to know your perspective. This is essentially what I have been doing–just feeling out each situation where I think my intervention with some help might be beneficial.

  4. Vivian Fulk

    Hi Phil, As a long time Climate Reality Project mentor and presenter, I have felt a deep pain at out current world situation. I have found reaching out to help others when it is asked has helped me tremendously. Allowing myself to go deeper into the pain has created a space in me that is so calming and serene. Our interfaith group is reading Karen Armstrong’s Twelve Steps to a Compassionate Life. Our community in Winston-Salem, NC is now reaching out help the hungry, homeless and sick. I am sure there are such groups you can join to help Adam. You are not alone. Seek others seeking light.

  5. Marina

    Dear Phil,
    even when you are just watching you are intervening if you ask me…you are not just an observer. Your tone says that. Even scientist realised that particles that they research reacts on their expectations. Get him in touch with Will Hall. I found support, understanding, love and purpose in a peer support group of a people diagnosed as mentally ill…and as Adam says for homeless-i have never before met such a warm and open souls and so much wisdom. Before being a healer you have to acnowledge and heal your wounds…and Adam would definitly do exactly that-or he already did (since you wrote this last year) 🙂
    Big hug to Adam

  6. Peggy Bull

    Hi, I am new to the crazywise website, but have heard about the thinking of mental illness as an opening of the psyche for years without a chance to discuss the many social and medical questions related to it. As with any new way of thinking, one way does not fit all. I am currently learning mindfulness meditation using a weekly group format. The healing that has occurred in me is amazing. Forgiveness and tolerance I never had before is presentand I am now in the”behavioral lab” of being a house guest at my in laws.
    I am also studying shamanic healing and wanted to mention the Eagle and the Condor Foundation’s Gathering of the Wisdom Keepers over labor day in Wisconsin. Also the website of Sandra Ingerman has a listing of shamans able to work with individuals. So glad you are making this film and raising this issue. So glad. Thank you!

  7. Mary Karo

    Hi Phil,
    You have truly amazed me with your journey and believe you need to keep following your heart and to help Adam in any way you can. Wow is a word that springs to mind when I think about how amazing AdBeing diagnosed with bipolar recently I have also realised there is more to this life and you have helped me to seek a spiritual guide to help me understand what I am experiencing, something that has been on my mind a lot. I am a kiwi currently living in Melbourne Australia and hope to find the right person for me. Thank you for sharing your beautiful journey!!!