#USA #New York #mental health #Ad Council #Love Your Mind

Game On for Mental Health

In a groundbreaking collaboration, the Ad Council is joining forces with 17 star athletes to launch the 'Love, Your Mind' initiative, aiming to empower individuals to prioritize mental health. This innovative campaign harnesses the unifying influence of sports to encourage meaningful conversations about mental well-being nationwide.

The Power of Sports in Promoting Mental Health

The initiative, born out of collaboration with the Huntsman Mental Health Foundation and the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation, seeks to change the narrative around mental health through the familiar and much-loved world of sports. Athletes are often viewed as icons, and their influence can be a powerful catalyst for positive change. By stepping up to advocate for mental health, they remind fans that maintaining mental well-being is as critical as physical fitness.

Introducing the 'Love, Your Mind' Playbook

At the center of this initiative is the 'Love, Your Mind' Playbook, accessible at LoveYourMindPlaybook.org. This resource provides practical tools, inspiring stories from athletes, and various strategies to facilitate open dialogues about mental health. The Playbook encourages individuals to share their experiences and foster a supportive community.

In a bid to normalize the conversation surrounding mental health, the initiative introduces a unique gesture called the 'Love, Your Mind' celebration, where athletes create a heart shape with their hands and point to their heads. This simple yet impactful action symbolizes the importance of mental care.

Engaging Content and Broad Outreach

The campaign's launch was marked by a series of public service advertisements (PSAs) that premiered on ABC's 'Good Morning America.' These PSAs feature leading athletes from various sports, including:

• - A'ja Wilson (WNBA)
• - Alex Bowman (NASCAR)
• - Bijan Robinson (NFL)
• - Chloe Kim (USA Snowboarding)
• - Francisco Lindor (MLB)
• - Noah Lyles (USA Track)

These athletes utilize their prominence and platform to inspire viewers to create a strategic plan for their mental health, emphasizing that taking proactive steps is vital.

As Lisa Sherman, president and CEO of the Ad Council, stated, 'The world of sports has tremendous cultural influence – and now, with the 'Love, Your Mind' Playbook, we're opening up new conversations about mental health that are authentic, inspiring, and impactful.'

Spreading Awareness Through Major Sports Events

The initiative is not limited to digital platforms; it will also expand its presence at prominent sporting events over the next few years. The first activation occurred on October 12 at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway, where NASCAR driver Alex Bowman unveiled a specially designed 'Love, Your Mind'-themed race car, highlighting the importance of mental health awareness in a high-visibility setting.

Continuing Efforts and Support

Since its inception in 2023, the 'Love, Your Mind' campaign has garnered significant traction, securing over $90 million in donated media support and attracting more than 2.2 million visits to its website. A recent survey indicated that nearly half of U.S. adults aged 18-44 are aware of the campaign's PSAs, showcasing its effectiveness in reaching a diverse audience.

Major sports leagues and organizations supporting this initiative include:

• - Major League Baseball (MLB)
• - Major League Soccer (MLS)
• - NASCAR
• - National Basketball Association (NBA)
• - National Football League (NFL)
• - National Hockey League (NHL)
• - Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA)
• - Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA)

A Collective Public Health Priority

Mental health is increasingly recognized not only as a personal issue but also a public health concern. According to Miranda Barnard, president of the Huntsman Mental Health Foundation, engaging the sports community in this dialogue provides invaluable support to those grappling with mental health challenges.

As society evolves to recognize the fundamental importance of mental health, initiatives like 'Love, Your Mind' highlight the necessity for empathy and action. This campaign champions the notion that caring for our mental health should be as celebrated as physical achievement, paving the way for a healthier and more understanding society.

For more information about the initiative and to access mental health resources, visit LoveYourMindToday.org or follow 'Love, Your Mind' on social media platforms.