How I Stay Okay - A Mental Health Awareness Video Contest |
Thank you for being part of Tampa Bay Thrives' "How I Stay Okay" video contest. By sharing your story, you’re helping to break down the stigma surrounding mental health and reminding others that they’re not alone.
We welcome authentic, personal stories that reflect how you care for your mental well-being—whether it's something simple, something powerful, or something still in progress. Your voice matters, and your courage to share can help others feel seen and supported.
Important Deadlines to Note:
- All videos must be submitted by October 1st, 2025
- Contest winners will be announced on October 10th, 2025, in celebration of World Mental Health Day
Prizes & Recognition:
- 1st: $250
- 2nd: $100
- 3rd: $50
All entrants will receive a sticker and a thank you.
Before you submit, please review the following:
Download & Submit the Required Release Form
You’ll need to complete and upload the release form linked here. Submissions without a signed release form will not be eligible.
You’ll need to complete and upload the release form linked here. Submissions without a signed release form will not be eligible.
Submission Guidelines:
- Video must be 90 seconds or less
- Subtitles or captions are encouraged, but not required
- Videos must be vertical (9:16) and ready to post on TikTok or Reels
- Ensure good lighting and clear video quality for the best chance to be featured
- Submissions must be uploaded to YouTube as 'Unlisted'. Then, share the video link via this submission form. Further instructions are included in the form below.
Content Suggestions:
- Share with care and self-awareness. If others are part of your story, please get their consent or take steps to protect their privacy.
- Difficult topics (like trauma, mental health struggles, or discrimination) can be included, but should be presented respectfully and without graphic detail.
- If your video may include potentially distressing content (e.g., self-harm, suicide, violence), please include a trigger warning at the beginning.
- We encourage you to conclude your video with a message of hope or include resources or hotlines that have been helpful to you.
Prohibited Content:
- No glorification or promotion of self-harm, suicide, or violence
- No hate speech, discriminatory language, or graphic imagery
- No non-consensual depictions of others or personal info without permission
- Avoid the use of brand names, commercial endorsements, or references to specific proprietary methods or products. Content should remain neutral and free from promotional language.
Take Care of Yourself:
Storytelling can be powerful, but also emotional. Please check in with yourself throughout the process. If you need to take a break or reach out for support, that’s okay. Your well-being comes first.
Judging Criteria:
Storytelling can be powerful, but also emotional. Please check in with yourself throughout the process. If you need to take a break or reach out for support, that’s okay. Your well-being comes first.
Judging Criteria:
- Authenticity & Impact
- Clarity & Storytelling
- Relevance to Mental Health Stigma
- Creativity
Your submission may be featured across Tampa Bay Thrives’ social media channels, newsletters, and partner networks to help elevate these important conversations.
Tampa Bay Thrives will contact contest winners directly via the email address provided with their submission. Please ensure your contact information is accurate and check your inbox (and spam folder) after the contest ends. If we do not receive a response within 5 business days of outreach, an alternate winner may be selected.
Tampa Bay Thrives will contact contest winners directly via the email address provided with their submission. Please ensure your contact information is accurate and check your inbox (and spam folder) after the contest ends. If we do not receive a response within 5 business days of outreach, an alternate winner may be selected.
If you have trouble submitting your video via this form, please email us at info@tampabaythrives.org.