CALM – “Suicide doesn’t always look suicidal”.
The message:
One of the key messages of the campaign is that CALM is there to provide people with the tools they need to start a potentially life-saving conversation. It also provides important information on signs that may show someone needs support, even if they seem happy on the surface.
Created for TV, this 90-second ad is so raw and emotive that it attracted criticism, with suggestions it shouldn’t be shown before UK TV’s 9pm watershed for content with distressing or adult themes. CALM responded, explaining the campaign was meant to be uncomfortable. As they put is, “Society’s standards around suicide need to be challenged and that was what the ad and their organisation intended to do”.
The individuals shown in the CALM campaign look superficially cheerful which makes the campaign message all the more impactful. The result is intensely moving but incredibly necessary to raise awareness of people’s inner state.
This simple but hard-hitting mental health campaign from the UK’s Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) reminds us that suicide is something that happens to ordinary people from all walks of life, and that – crucially – many don’t show any outward signs of distress.
To draw attention to this fact, CALM’s “Suicide doesn’t always look suicidal” mental health campaign uses the last home videos of people who took their own lives not long after they were filmed.
View campaign below
MAHAG women’s mental health awareness month.
The Malawian Humanitarian Assistance Group(MAHAG), a dedicated charity organization based in Malawi, has launched a crucial initiative aimed at enhancing mental health awareness across the region. This campaign seeks to address the significant stigma surrounding mental health issues, which often prevents individuals from seeking the help they need. By promoting understanding and compassion, MAHAG aims to foster an environment where seeking support is seen as a strength rather than a weakness.
The campaign encompasses a variety of activities designed to engage the community and raise awareness about mental health challenges. Through workshops, seminars, and community outreach programs, MAHAG is equipping local populations with essential information regarding mental health disorders and the importance of mental well-being. These educational efforts focus on demystifying mental health issues and providing individuals with practical tools to manage their mental health better.
In addition to educational initiatives, MAHAG is also working closely with local leaders and mental health professionals to create a supportive network for those affected by mental health conditions. This collaborative approach not only helps to improve access to care but also encourages community members to participate actively in ongoing conversations about mental health. By involving various stakeholders, MAHAG is cultivating a comprehensive framework that prioritizes mental well-being as a vital component of overall health.
The campaign emphasizes personal stories and testimonies from individuals who have navigated mental health challenges. By sharing these narratives, MAHAG is highlighting the realities many face, thereby fostering empathy and reducing negative perceptions. This storytelling aspect is fundamental in helping people understand the diverse experiences related to mental health and encourages those struggling to come forward and seek help without fear of judgment.
Through the mental health awareness initiative, MAHAG is also advocating for policy changes that prioritize mental health services within the healthcare system. By engaging with policymakers, the organization aims to ensure that mental health is given the attention it deserves, promoting better resource allocation and support structures for individuals in need.
The impact of this campaign is anticipated to be far-reaching, enhancing not only individual lives but also strengthening community cohesion. As community members become more informed and supportive of mental health issues, the stigma that often silences those in distress may gradually diminish. MAHAG’s efforts mark a significant step towards mental health advocacy in Malawi, embodying hope and resilience.
View campaign at the Malawian Humanitarian Assistance Group site: www.mahag.co.za
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