“The Don’t Judge Me campaign aims to de-stigmatise youth addiction and ultimately break down barriers to young people (and their loved ones) seeking help early.

Created by Sir David Martin Foundation and leading creative agency The Zoo Republic, the digital campaign is designed to be eye-catching and intimate. In posing the question “would you judge me for that?” we gently challenge the viewer’s perceptions and invite them to consider the uncomfortable realities behind many young people’s drug and alcohol use. This can include mental illness, homelessness, abuse, disrupted schooling and trauma. By encouraging a little more empathy and less judgement, perhaps we can make a positive difference to more young people in crisis?”

Find more from Sir David Martin Foundation (Australia, September 2021)

“The Australian National Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing (NSMHWB) revealed that 41% of Australian adults (approximately 6.5 million) experienced at least one traumatic event before 17 years of age. The most common traumatic events reported were witnessing domestic violence and experiencing physical or sexual assault. Those exposed to early trauma were 3.6 times more likely to have a mental health or substance use disorder and were up to 7 times more likely to have co-occurring mental health and substance use disorders compared to those without trauma exposure.”