FARGO — What began as a personal story about living with autism has grown into a broader exploration of mental health in the Fargo-Moorhead community.

John David Berdahl, a local advocate for autism awareness, started a film project focused on his life on the autism spectrum. What he expected to be a short project expanded into a three-year journey exploring mental wellness, personal struggles and hope.

"I started just interviewing individuals in Fargo-Moorhead who would sit down with me, and it became this film about mental wellness, personal stories and hope," Berdahl said.

The conversations quickly moved beyond autism, touching on anxiety, depression and other challenges many face silently.

"People are reticent to talk about certain things, apprehensive about talking about certain t

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