Ad Council: Seize the Awkward by Droga5

Coinciding with Mental Health Awareness Month, the Ad Council has approached the issue of youth suicide, in a bid to help those who might be struggling during lockdown.

The ‘Whatever Gets You Talking’ campaign is in response to a recent Ad Council study that found young people have reported feeling more negative emotions related to Covid-19, compared to older adults.

The second leading cause of death among young people, it is estimated that for every youth suicide, there are 100-200 attempts. This issue is only getting worse as young people feel trapped during the pandemic.

With most mental illness, while sharing issues feelings with others may feel difficult, it can be the first step to recovery.

To help people open up, ‘Whatever Gets You Talking’ shows the various ways young people can start and continue conversations about mental health with their friends - whether that be GIF, emoji, call or text.

Directed by Kristian Mercado Figueroa, the film sees the rapper Akinyemi guide viewers through different ways they can reach out and start conversations with their friends. In the ad, conversation starters are brought to life, with digital stars Addison Rae, Avery Cyrus, Bryce Xavier, James Henry, The McFarlands, Meghan Trainor, Molly Burke, mxmtoon and brothers Zach Valentine and Pat Ramirez making cameo appearances.