The “Shame Shouldn’t Be a Symptom” campaign featured murals and videos via OOH in NYC of four mental health advocates and their struggles with shame. Artist Ian Woods represented the mental health journeys of Crystal Anderson, Jezz Chung, Jason Rosario, and Windsor Flynn through his art, which became a cathartic experience for him as well as he explored ways to express his own mental health issues through his work. The campaign began on May 1st, 2021 with support from SEEN and also celebrated the healing power of art therapy by featuring works from Therapart founder, Ash Rucker.
The current climate in the U.S. has led to an increase in mental health issues, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation Report. COVID-19, systematic racism, economic declines, domestic terrorism, joblessness, homelessness, and anxiety have all contributed to the mental health issues that have led to 4 in 10 adults reporting symptoms of anxiety or depressive disorder during the pandemic as opposed to 1 in 10 adults reporting those same symptoms in 2019. Through “Shame Shouldn’t Be a Symptom” and other campaigns and programs, Made of Millions aims to combat negative perceptions by changing the narrative around mental health.
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