Robb Nash, a musician and mental health advocate from Kleefeld, Manitoba, has released a documentary that he hopes will help people who are dealing with mental health issues, addiction and trauma.
The film is called If You’re Reading This and can be viewed on YouTube. It’s an important part of his career, showing his own story of survival and healing, along with his dedication to helping others.
A Life-Changing Accident
When Nash speaks with students across the country, he shares a personal story about being in a car crash while he was a Grade 12 student. He nearly died in that collision which shattered his skull. Nash was initially pronounced dead but was resuscitated and is still on his recovery journey.
Due to the trauma and lingering pain from the accident, Nash says he suffered from suicidal thoughts for many years.
His recovery process inspired him to dedicate his life to helping young people facing similar struggles. He established the Robb Nash Project, a non-profit initiative using music, storytelling, and outreach to support students dealing with mental health issues like depression, addiction, and suicidal thoughts.
The Birth of the Documentary
"During COVID, we were getting contacted by communities, schools, all over Canada. People were struggling with mental health, especially young people. They asked if there was a way my team could help, but with the pandemic, we couldn't do our usual shows and events," Nash says.
This challenge led to the creation of the documentary which is a follow-up on how students previously featured in a Robb Nash project are doing today.
Revisiting Key Moments in Nash’s Life
As part of the documentary, Nash and the film crew returned to the location of his car accident in southern Manitoba and recreated the scene with the same type of vehicles.
“It was quite chilling to be there, watching someone being resuscitated and playing me,” Nash recalls. They also visited Nash's childhood home, offering a raw look at his past and the emotional journey he’s been on since the accident.
The documentary combines Nash’s personal story with the stories of students, families, and others he has met during his tours. These stories are filled with pain, as well as hope. The central message is clear: mental health struggles are real, but they do not define the end of a person’s story.
The Focus on Recovery
“It’s not just about the physical recovery,” Nash says. “It was the mental, emotional, and spiritual recovery as well. That’s what the documentary is really about.”
Nash reflects on how his recovery taught him that pain—whether physical or emotional—plays an important role in life.
“Pain tells you that something is wrong. It’s a signal to take action. If you’re constantly struggling with dark thoughts, that’s pain that you need to address.”
Empathy, Depression, and Mental Health
The documentary also highlights often overlooked aspects of mental health struggles.
Nash shares his thoughts on empathy and depression saying, “It’s interesting that you and I get diagnosed with depression, but no one ever gets diagnosed with empathy. Depression is very real but that empathy of taking on the pain of others... I have a team now that really looks out for me to make sure that I don’t burn out.”
This perspective is key in the documentary, emphasizing the importance of self-care and mental health awareness for both those struggling and those trying to help.
The Impact on Students
The film is not only about Nash’s journey but also about the remarkable transformations of the young people he has met along the way. One of the most powerful moments in the documentary is when Nash talks about the thousands of suicide notes he has received from students over the years.
“Out of almost 1000 suicide notes now, almost every one of them starts with the words ‘Hey Mom, Dad, if you’re reading this,’” Nash explains.
Many of these notes are shared with him during concerts or workshops, as young people express their pain. However, many of these individuals no longer need these notes after having found hope through the Robb Nash Project.
A Message of Hope
Despite challenges, Nash’s optimism and commitment to helping others remain unwavering.
“We can’t help everyone, but we can try. We can be the bridge between the hurting and the help,” he says.
His goal is to remind people that it’s okay to be vulnerable and ask for help when needed. Nash’s role is not to be a therapist or counselor but to help others take the first step toward getting the support they need.
The Film’s Conclusion
The documentary ends with a message of hope. Nash’s story is a testament to resilience and the strength found through community. It’s not about avoiding pain, but learning how to navigate through it and find strength in the process. The film serves as a reminder that, even when things seem impossible, there is always a way forward.
Accessing the Documentary
If You’re Reading This is available for free on YouTube, making it accessible to everyone, no matter where they live. Nash says they deliberately chose to release the film on YouTube instead of waiting for a platform like Netflix.
“Our goal has never been to make money. We want people to see this and share it. We want to inspire people to reach out for help and to understand that they are not alone,” Nash says.
He notes, “The Robb Nash Project has been doing concerts where they bring many schools together into one venue. They are currently working on a concert at the new Southeast Event Centre where all surrounding community schools like Grunthal, Landmark, Blumenort and more can come together for a massive show!”
-With files from Corny Rempel