19 Sep 2024
World Mental Health Day, marked every year on October 10, presents a valuable opportunity for businesses and organisations to raise awareness about mental health, reduce stigma, and demonstrate their commitment to employee and community wellbeing. And good communications can be part of this.
But it can’t be token. Thoughtful and strategic communications can promote mental health awareness and support, as long as it’s aligned to who you are as a business, and doesn’t smack of jumping on a bandwagon.
Here are a few ways you can use media and communications in your World Mental Health Day campaign.
Telling personal stories
One of the most powerful ways to communicate the importance of mental health is by sharing personal stories – it’s all about keeping it real. Gather and share narratives from employees, customers, or community members about their mental health journeys. These stories can be featured in blog posts, newsletters, social media campaigns, or stitched together into a film providing a platform for voices that might not often be heard.
Because you can’t be what you can’t see. If people don’t see others sharing their stories, they are less likely to do so themselves. Sharing the reality helps humanise the discussion around mental health, making it more relatable and less abstract, as well as helping to break down the stigma associated with mental health issues, encouraging others to seek help or open up about their experiences. It adds a personal element, demonstrating a sense of community and support, showing that the organisation values mental health and the wellbeing of its people.
Encouraging senior leadership to open up
Leadership plays a crucial role in setting the tone for an organisation’s culture. When senior leaders speak openly about their own experiences with mental health, it can have a pretty profound impact on the culture of entire business. Ask them to film video messages where they share their personal reflections on mental health.
When leaders are open about their mental health journeys, it sends a powerful message that it is acceptable to discuss these issues within the workplace, which reduces the stigma around mental health and encourages others to seek support when needed. It also reinforces the idea that mental health is a priority at all levels of the organisation, not just an HR initiative or slogan painted on the wall.
Leaning into the mission
Solid communications can help align World Mental Health Day activities with the organisation’s core mission and values. So if you’re a healthcare business, it makes sense to care about World Mental Health Day. By leaning into the mission, organisations can show that mental health is not just a one-day event but a key component of their broader commitment to health and wellbeing. Branded films that can be repurposed and reused in lots of different settings can be an effective tool that underscore your commitment to mental health and wellbeing all year round.
Creating video campaigns
Of course we’re going to say it, but film is a great way to communicate complex and sensitive issues like mental health. Organisations can create a series of short videos where employees, customers, or community members share what mental health means to them. These videos can be shared on social media, the company’s website, or internal platforms.
One of the (many) reasons we love film is they convey authenticity and emotional impact, making the messages more memorable. Including expert advice or mental health tips in these videos can also provide practical value, helping viewers understand how they can support their own mental wellbeing or that of others. Video content is super versatile and can be repurposed across various channels, extending its reach and impact, so what you use on a brand film could work on socials etc.
Sharing authentic photos
Authentic photos go a long way communicating a genuine commitment to mental health. If you have any activities in house like mindfulness or quiet spaces, capture and share images of employees engaging in them. Share on social media, in newsletters, or on the organisation’s website, accompanied by messages that encourage others to prioritise their mental health. Don’t use filters, or stage things – keep it real.
