Doechii teams up with SADAG on anti-anxiety campaign
What started out as a popular TikTok trend is now being used as a powerful mental health campaign.
American rapper Doechii has joined forces with SADAG and Universal Music South Africa for an anti-anxiety campaign.
Inspired by the rapper's hit song 'Anxiety', the campaign aims to "amplify mental health awareness as part of a global initiative".
Doechii released the track in 2019, but it gained worldwide popularity after Sleepy Hallow sampled it in his 2023 song of the same name.
The song has inspired two viral TikTok trends, prompting Doechii to re-release the original version.
One trend involves recreating a dance Will Smith and Tatyana Ali's characters performed in the '90s sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.
Smith, Ali, and Doechii jumped on the trend in March. The video, which was shared on Instagram, has more than 140 million views.
The second 'Anxiety' song trend involves a mirror illusion.
One person wears a hoodie while staring at themselves in a mirror. However, when they turn around, they find that the person wearing the hoodie is someone completely different.
Smith and Doechii also recreated the mirror challenge.
Universal Music and the South African Depression and Anxiety Group (SADAG)'s anti-anxiety campaign has been described as a genius way to teach people about mental health.
"Anxiety and panic affect millions worldwide, and through this collaboration, we’re making critical resources more accessible. SADAG, alongside other international organisations, are featured as support resources on the webpage, www.anxietyiswatchingyou.com," SADAG said in a statement.
The website "connects people globally to anxiety-related information, helplines, and self-help strategies".
Doechii launched the mental health resource hub, which is inspired by her personal journey with anxiety, in March.
"Thank you for all of the support you’ve given my song Anxiety, now let me support YOU. Share your stories, lend a listening ear or browse through our support communities to get the support you need anonymously," she wrote.
She has teamed up with several other mental health organisations worldwide to help the campaign reach as many people as possible.
Social media users have praised Doechii for shining the spotlight on an important cause.
"This type of heart and community awareness from a 'celebrity' is so magical to witness. You deserve so many blessings for staying in touch with your audience and really caring for them in this way," one Instagram user wrote.
Another user added: "Doechii, I couldn’t let this moment pass without expressing my deep gratitude for such a meaningful gesture. I’m 17 years old and struggle with anxiety every day."
A third commented, "THIS is how to use a platform. What a bada**. I love you even more now."
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Main image credit: YouTube/ Doechii ('Anxiety' visualiser)