Friday was World Mental Health Day and Creators 4 Mental Health, Influential and Outfront Media partnered on a billboard takeover in Times Square to highlight creator well-being and mental health across social media and digital culture.   

The initiative aims to reduce stigma, share resources, and spark a larger conversation that encourages openness and support, according to the organizers.   

“Times Square has always been a stage for cultural moments and today is about using our medium to put well-being front and center,” said Liz Rave, vice president-marketing, Outfront Media. “Partnering on this initiative allows us to use our reach to amplify an issue that impacts so many of today’s storytellers.”  

The organizers cited research finding that nearly 80% of creators report experiencing burnout with two-thirds saying it directly impacts their mental health.  

“Creators are the gig workers of the digital age, and their mental health must be taken seriously,” said Shira Lazar, founder of Creators 4 Mental Health. “Openness is the first step to removing stigma. When creators share their experiences, it not only strengthens this community but also gives their audiences permission to talk about mental health in their own lives.” 

As part of the campaign launch, leading creators and others gathered in Times Squared Friday to promote mental wellbeing as a “core pillar” of the creator economy. 

The Times Square takeover is the first in a series of activations from Creators 4 Mental Health, with upcoming events in Washington, D.C. (October 16), and Atlanta (November).  

Later this month, C4MH will also release a new study on creator mental health—in partnership with Opus, BeReal, Statusphere, and Social Currant—offering insights into the challenges creators face and strategies for building a more sustainable future. 

Photo Credit: Cristian Paez.