Mental Health - Brands/Advertising

Looking into brands that are associated with mental health, as well as those that are directly related to the disorders is important in identifying the issues that are related with the disorder. It also demonstrates the current ways that the disorder is being addressed through media and branding. Furthermore, this shows how the information is being distributed and highlights areas that are lacking in recognition. 



Wear Your Label - Clothing to start conversation around mental health

Wear Your Label is a brand that was born through two individuals wanting to spark conversation around mental health through the production of clothing. It grew from Kayley, one of the founders of the brand becoming increasingly aware and frustrated with the stigma that surrounds mental health. They describe their brand as working towards the removal of the stigma that silences so many individuals and giving back along the way. This is done through 10% of net profits being donated to mental health initiatives. 

The simplistic clothing items feature handwritten and/or sans serif type that are short inspirational phrases, printed or stitched onto 'basic' clothing. Having the text as the centre piece of the clothing draws the focus without it being in forceful. 

Mind - Advertising through social media

Mind are a Mental Health charity who have been previously researched in response to gathering research for this brief. The above are examples of images they have posted on their social media profile on Twitter. The tone of voice is positive and influential, with the image directly relating to the text. As they are simple statements they act as more of an advertising piece to encourage individuals to engage with the charity. This is particularly strong in the third image due to it being a promotion of their magazine, which requires a subscription payment to receive. Although each of the images are positive and influential towards those who may be suffering from a mental illness, the overall focus that is taken from the designs is on Mind and not the individuals. In other words, this could be described as selfish advertising. They are making the audience believe it is about them when in actual fact they are promoting themselves. This is something to be aware of when producing a response to this brief. 

From the research conducted and through the knowledge that I have developed through completing the stages of the Future Learn online course, it is evident that there is a vast number of supporting collateral, information, creative and charities that support individuals with a mental illness disorder. This is something that is current becoming more and more successful and slowly overcoming the taboo of mental illness. However, this is still seen to be an issue in society. Individuals lack the confidence in discussing their feelings as well as others lacking the confidence in approaching and discussing another feelings who they believe may be suffering. The example of the new Time To Change advertising campaign is an example of an alternative direction that is being taken in addressing the taboo of mental illness, through addressing the 'carers' and the individuals who are suffering. Looking into alternative approaches is a unique direction that this subject area would benefit from.