Publicis Singapore turns mental health stereotypes upside down

The above print ad was created by Publicis Singapore for Samaritans of Singapore, an organization that provides resources for those struggling with mental health issues. Utilizing what is known as an ambigram, which is a word or image that can be read in more than one way, the campaign strives to challenge people's preconceptions and stereotypes surrounding mental health. The text, at first glance, is a phrase we hear all too often; one that, when viewed upside down, is really a cry for help. It serves to highlight the notion that issues tend to lie beneath the surface. At the risk of sounding cliche, things are rarely what they seem, and those struggling with mental health are no different.

At a time when depression and mental health continue to surge, and warning signs often remain overlooked, I can't applaud those involved with this campaign enough. It is a rarity to be untouched by mental health issues in some capacity, whether you have struggled personally or known someone who has. Despite this, society as a whole tends to perpetuate myths about those affected. Campaigns such as this remind us that too often we take things at first glance, at face value. We too often overlook the signs and signals of those who hurt. Sometimes, we just need a different perspective to see a cry for help.