This poster depicts a sullen, U.S. Sailor standing in a desolate space. A shadow starts at the Sailor’s feet, and as it travels, it turns into forms of monsters. These monsters are visual representations of mental illness. The smiling face at the top depicts the “mask” people with mental illness tend to wear. The screaming face right below the mask represents pure emotion ranging from anger to anxiety and depression. The bottom-left figure represents suicidal thoughts and ideations slowing lurching towards the Sailor. The glowing hands to the right of the Sailor represents service members who are there to help and support the Sailor. It was created using hand-drawn, raster-based techniques in Adobe Photoshop. The intent of the message is to promote seeking help for mental illness, as well as to urge others to lend a helping-hand. The poster was displayed at NATO Allied Command Transformation in Norfolk, Virginia during Mental Health awareness month, May 2022. Allied Command Transformation is NATO’s warfare development command located in North America, dedicated to preserving the peace, security, and territorial integrity of Alliance member states by leading the warfare development of military structures, forces, capabilities and doctrines. (U.S. Navy graphic by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Isabel S. Wences)
