YouTuber and author Connor Franta has joined forces with DoSomething.org and Harry’s for a new campaign in support of men’s mental health.
The ‘Mental Note: Take Time For Yourself’ campaign aims to encourage conversation about mental health between young men, by motivating DoSomething.org’s five million members to give a mental (health) note to the men in their lives.
This mental (health) note encourages men to do little things to give themselves a boost, from watching their favourite YouTube video to sweating it out at the gym. The note also encourages them to talk to the note giver if they need to, or to text MIND to 38383 to access a list of helpful resources.
It is a known fact that men are statistically less likely to reach out for help when it comes to their mental health. With nearly one in 10 men experiencing depression, this campaign hopes to help them build self care into their family routine and informing them of how to gain access to resources.
Check out the campaign video below.
Connor himself has opened up about his experience of living with depression in his book Note to Self, therefore he is the perfect ambassador for this crucial campaign.
Speaking about taking part in the campaign, Connor said: “It took time and patience to come to terms with my own mental health struggles before I found the courage to share that experience with my loving family, friends and dedicated viewers online. For many of us, particularly men, the stigma around vulnerability holds far too much power, and ultimately prevents us from obtaining the support they need.
“I’m absolutely thrilled to partner with DoSomething and Harry’s on their ‘Mental Note’ campaign that gives this generation of guys access to crucial resources and highlights the strength that comes with being emotionally open.”
Other influential young men who have signed up to support the cause include LGBTQ+ advocate, model, and former high school football star Jake Bain, rapper and producer Skinny Mars, transgender journalist and filmmaker Leo Sheng, musician, public speaker and actor Ryan Cassata, and Tyler Smith, who has talked openly about his own mental health struggles after surviving the Humboldt Broncos bus crash in 2018.
You can sign up to the DoSomething.org campaign right here. When you sign up, you’ll also be entered in a competition to win a $2500 scholarship.