Note: While this may not specifically be sneaker-related content. We at Sneakers Middle East support the initiative as it resonates with the majority demographic of our readers.

JanSport today announced the launch of its #LightenTheLoad campaign with a mission to connect Generation Z with resources to help them tackle potential mental health challenges research has shown their generation is facing.

Only half of the Gen Z population feel they do enough to manage their stress and three out of ten young people say they feel anxious or nervous almost every day.

Mental health doesn’t have to be a taboo topic, and to kick off Mental Health Awareness Month, JanSport is creating a forum to help address these issues, so young people know they are not alone in their struggles.

With the COVID-19 pandemic, Gen Z appears to be facing unprecedented challenges, and the uncertainty can negatively impact mental health. The unknown of their futures, from securing jobs after virtual graduations to not knowing if the college they’ve chosen will be open in the fall, adds to the already prevalent stress and anxiety they feel in their daily lives.

JanSport is teaming up with mental health experts to host Instagram Live sessions where young people can tune in to an open conversation around mental health issues that directly impact Gen Z.

The sessions will start in May and continue throughout the summer with topics including:

May 6, 2020 – Isolation: This isn’t just an issue during trying times like COVID-19, it has the ability to impact Gen Z’s daily lives. During this session Whitney Goodman will dive into how to handle loneliness and the feeling of being left out in today’s world and the age of social media.

May 13, 2020 – Compassion Fatigue: Between presidential elections, climate change, and a global pandemic, there’s a lot going on right now that may be hard to process. In this session, Matthew Dempsey will help explore how to stay informed and involved without feeling overwhelmed.

May 20, 2020 – Uncertainty: No one can tell the future, but together we can look to find ways to handle uncertainty. In this session, Whitney Goodman will discuss how to mentally prepare for the unknown.

May 27, 2020 – Family: While families can be a great support system, they can also be a cause of stress. Watch as Nedra Tawwab discusses what to do to stop arguing with family over the kitchen table.

“JanSport has been a trusted brand for young people for decades and we understand our consumers are going through unprecedented and uncertain times. Our Instagram Live conversations are just the starting point. The purpose of the Lighten The Load campaign is to drive conversations around mental health and demonstrate to Gen Z that we understand the anxiety, isolation and stress they are feeling, and we’re here to help.”

Monica Rigali, Senior Director of Marketing at JanSport

For more information and updates on the campaign, please visit jansport.com/lightentheload.