Creators Take Over Times Square for World Mental Health Day

Summary:

Times Square spotlighted creator well-being with top digital creators and a focus on mental health importance.
Creators 4 Mental Health aims to support creators’ mental health through resources and community, addressing burnout and wellness.
Campaign led by Shira Lazar, What’s Trending founder, highlights the emotional toll of the creator economy in Times Square.

Times Square turned into a billboard for creator well-being this week as Creators 4 Mental Health, Influential, and OUTFRONT Media teamed up for a World Mental Health Day takeover spotlighting the emotional toll of the creator economy.

The campaign brought together top digital creators — including Dhar Mann, Haley Kalil, Jordan Howlett, and MDMotivator — to amplify a message often left out of the spotlight: creators’ mental health matters.

“Times Square has always been a stage for cultural moments, and today is about using our powerful medium to put well-being front and center,” said Liz Rave, VP of Marketing at OUTFRONT Media.

Behind the effort is Shira Lazar, Emmy-nominated host and founder of What’s Trending, who launched Creators 4 Mental Health (C4MH) to give creators access to resources and community support.

“Creators are the gig workers of the digital age, and their mental health must be taken seriously,” Lazar said. “When creators share their experiences, it gives their audiences permission to do the same.”

A 2023 Awin & ShareASale study found that nearly 80% of creators experience burnout, with two-thirds saying it directly affects their mental health. Between algorithm pressure, inconsistent income, and public scrutiny, many say the job feels like running a full-time business without the protections of one.

Chris Detert, Chief Communications Officer at Influential, said the campaign aligns with a growing need to address how online life shapes mental wellness.

“The World Health Organization reports that depression is the leading cause of disability worldwide,” Detert noted. “We’re proud to help create positive change.”

The Times Square event is just the start. C4MH plans similar activations in Washington, D.C. on October 16 and Atlanta in November. Later this month, the group will release what it calls the largest study ever conducted on creator mental health, in partnership with Opus, BeReal, Statusphere, and Social Currant.