Droga5 and Ad Council's plea for talk

With their Seize the Awkward campaign, Droga5, alongside AFSP, The JED Foundation and the Ad Council, aims to provide resources to start conversations around mental health, with the latest execution, We Can Talk About It, designed to reach Black and Hispanic/Latine youth.

In a well-made and moving commercial, several youngsters are seen being told by parents and peers to get on with their day, despite the mental toll it's taking. Sensitively directed by Object & Animal's Haya Waseem, with lovely photography from Chris Lew, the film alters its pacing in a manner that exemplifies the strains of depression, creating a powerful voice for a largely unheard demographic.

“We know the pandemic has taken a toll on the mental health of our teens and young adults. That's why the Seize the Awkward campaign, which provides guidance for friends supporting one another, is more important than ever,” said AFSP CEO Bob Gebbia.“And we are pleased that the latest campaign ads place emphasis on reaching Black and Hispanic/Latine youth who are struggling. At AFSP, we are committed to doing everything we can to help address the mental health and suicide prevention needs of underrepresented populations.”

"We are pleased to continue our collaboration with The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and the Ad Council on Seize the Awkward’s newest efforts, as young people need more support than ever in protecting their mental health,” adds JED CEO John MacPhee. “Black and Hispanic/Latine youth face additional challenges in accessing the care they deserve. As mental health leaders for our country’s youth, we are responsible for providing resources that address the unique challenges that all young people face while advocating for increased equity in mental health.”