“A Love Letter to the Advertising Community and Awareness for Mental Health” By Sarah Edwards, Founder & Chief Community Officer @ Haus of Sonder
By The Minneapolis Egotist / /
To my friends and peers in this industry, I want to start by saying: I see you.
I see the invisible pressures we carry. I see the anxiety that comes with trying to keep up in an industry that moves faster and faster every day. And I see a lot of you struggling silently—maybe feeling afraid that sharing how you are doing will make you appear weak or incapable.
But I also see something else: I see the humanity in all of us, the complexity behind the polished exteriors, and the strength it takes to navigate a world that doesn’t slow down.
Here’s something I think about often: my own struggle with the attention economy. In an industry built on capturing and holding people’s attention, I’ve found myself grappling with how overwhelming that very pursuit can feel. We’re praised for crafting ways to cut through the noise, for pulling people into a moment, an idea, or a product. And yet, as someone who struggles with the constant pull of notifications, metrics, and endless feeds, I can’t help but wonder: What does it cost us to always seek attention—and to always give it?
It feels almost unpopular to say that in a field that celebrates the ability to grab attention. But it’s something we need to talk about. Because while we’re busy holding other people’s attention, many of us are quietly losing our own focus, our mental clarity, and sometimes even our sense of peace.
Mental health is something this industry doesn’t talk about enough. In an environment where we’re expected to deliver perfection, innovate constantly, and stay ahead of every trend, it can feel impossible to admit that you’re not okay.
But the truth is, so many of us are struggling. I know we are. Whether it’s anxiety, depression, burnout, or just the utter awareness of the heaviness of it all…these challenges are real—and they’re far more common than we realize.
I’ve had these conversations quietly, one-on-one, with leaders, creatives, and colleagues at every level. The pressure of this industry can feel unbearable at times, and the fear of falling behind or being judged keeps many of us silent.
When I started Haus of Sonder, the word sonder captured something deeply meaningful to me:
The realization that each random passerby is living a life as vivid and complex as your own—populated with their own ambitions, friends, routines, worries and inherited craziness—an epic story that continues invisibly around you like an anthill sprawling deep underground, with elaborate passageways to thousands of other lives that you’ll never know existed, in which you might appear only once, as an extra sipping coffee in the background, as a blur of traffic passing on the highway, as a lighted window at dusk.
It’s a reminder that everyone around us—no matter how confident or successful they may seem—is carrying their own struggles. And it’s why I believe so strongly in bringing these conversations out of the shadows.
You’re not alone in this. I’ve felt it, too—the quiet, overwhelming weight of it all. The nights when even the biggest successes don’t feel like enough.
This industry thrives on its ability to adapt, to innovate, and to deliver at breakneck speed. But that same pace can make it nearly impossible to catch your breath. The constant need to evolve, the unrelenting expectations, and the barrage of messages and feedback can leave little room for rest—let alone reflection.
And when we’re overwhelmed, it’s easy for the darker parts of mental health—anxiety, depression, burnout—to take hold. These struggles are real, and yet, they’re often invisible, hidden beneath the surface of our busy schedules and professional personas.
Mental health awareness isn’t just about recognizing the challenges; it’s about creating spaces where people feel safe to say, “I’m struggling.” It’s about normalizing the idea that you can be brilliant at what you do and still need help.
As we approach the holiday season—a time that can amplify feelings of loneliness or overwhelm—I want to remind us all to check in with ourselves and those around us. Ask the real questions, not just, “How’s work?” but “How are you really doing?”
And if you’re someone who feels like the weight is too much to carry alone, I hope you know there is strength in reaching out.
So I want to say that I see the incredible work you do, (not just in work but in your communities, your homes, your family and friends). I see your passion, your creativity, and your humanity.
Mental health awareness starts with all of us. Let’s keep the conversation alive. Let’s make space for each other—not just to succeed, but to feel seen, supported, and valued.
With love and empathy,
Sarah
P.S. If you or someone you know is struggling, you’re not alone. Here are some resources that can help:
– National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
– Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
– Mental Health America Resources
We’re in this together, and there’s hope in reaching out.
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