Short-Form/Digital Content - Mental Health

Tips by Genre or Format

Download / print

  1. Reach a wide audience
    1. Short-form and digital content can help storytellers reach a wide audience with important messages about mental health.
  2. Balance darkness with hope
    1. Look for ways to balance the darker aspects of the story with hope.
  3. Consult an expert for guidance
    1. Consult an expert advisor, the same way you would for long-form projects.

Storytelling Tips

Aim for balanced storytelling

  • Short-form content provides less time and space to explore the full scope of someone’s mental health experience. Sometimes this means there is a heavier focus on the darker parts of someone’s struggle than there is on the positive aspects of mental health, like coping, recovery, or the treatment process. 
  • Look for ways to balance heavier aspects of your story and offer a message of hope to the viewer.

Consult an expert advisor, the same way you would when creating long-form content 

  • Collaborate with an expert partner to ensure that the snapshot you’re sharing does not perpetuate harmful perceptions, particularly if your story involves a higher risk group, someone from a marginalized community, or someone with a mental health condition that’s often misunderstood.

Download / print

more in part 6