In observance of World Mental Health Day on October 10, the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) has teamed up with Grammy Award-winning rapper and mental health advocate Megan Thee Stallion to launch the Never a Bother campaign. This youth suicide prevention initiative is designed to raise awareness of the tools and resources available to young people facing mental health challenges, helping them find support before, during, and after a crisis.
Megan’s Message: “You Are Never a Bother”
The campaign’s centerpiece is a heartfelt video featuring Megan Thee Stallion, where she speaks candidly about her own mental health struggles and emphasizes the importance of asking for help. “It took me a long time to be comfortable talking about my mental health,” Megan says in the video. “Asking for help doesn’t make me weak. Asking for help actually built my strength… going to get the help gave me the tools to be stronger.”
She goes on to address her fanbase, known as “the Hotties,” encouraging them to prioritize their mental well-being and seek assistance when needed. “Hotties, you are never a bother,” she assures, urging young people to reach out for support whenever they feel overwhelmed. The video is available on Megan’s Instagram and TikTok channels, as well as on the Never a Bother website and its associated social media platforms.
A Crucial Message for California Youth
The Never a Bother campaign was created specifically for California youth, a group that has been deeply impacted by mental health struggles. Data from the CDPH reveals that between 2018 and 2022, suicide was the second leading cause of death among young people aged 10 to 25 in the state. The campaign aims to raise awareness, particularly among those disproportionately affected by suicide, and to remind them that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
The Never a Bother website offers real stories from young people who have faced mental health challenges, as well as resources for those looking to support a friend in need. The message is clear: “Whether it’s a low point, a crisis, or something you can’t exactly put into words, get help for yourself or a friend.” The site also provides downloadable tools and guides designed to foster open discussions about mental health and encourage help-seeking behavior among young people.
Megan Thee Stallion’s Mental Health Advocacy
Megan Thee Stallion’s involvement in the campaign adds significant weight to its message. The rapper has long been open about her mental health journey, using her platform to advocate for greater transparency and support in mental health discussions. In 2022, Megan partnered with the Seize the Awkward campaign to raise awareness about mental health, and she also founded the Pete and Thomas Foundation, which provides resources to underserved communities, women, children, and senior citizens.
With her personal experiences and dedication to mental health awareness, Megan is an ideal partner for the Never a Bother campaign. Her message of resilience and self-care resonates with her millions of fans, offering them a role model who has navigated mental health struggles and come out stronger.
Part of a Larger Initiative
The Never a Bother campaign is part of California’s Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative (CYBHI), a state-wide effort to promote mental health awareness and suicide prevention. The initiative aims to build life-saving intervention skills, encourage help-seeking behavior, and make mental health resources more accessible to young people across the state.
As California continues to address the growing mental health crisis among its youth, campaigns like Never a Bother play a crucial role in breaking the stigma surrounding mental health. By partnering with influential voices like Megan Thee Stallion, the state hopes to foster a culture where asking for help is seen as a source of strength and where young people know they are never alone.
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