Mental Health Awareness Stamp

An Post commissioned us to design a pair of stamps to highlight Mental Health Awareness. The stamps were issued on World Mental Health Day, along with a first day cover and a corresponding cancel mark.

Following extensive research and a facilitated mental health awareness workshop with Mental Health Ireland, the concept of nature, its impact on our mental health and our own connection to it was developed.

The first stamp illustrates the R.O.S.E model, created by Paula King, which reflects key terms for addressing our mental health: Reason, Optimism, Self-Identity and Empowerment. The second stamp takes the form of three trees, representing the importance of access to nature, self-care and community for mental health. Through the workshop we learned that those who could see at least three trees through their windows reported higher levels of connection to nature as well as their positive impact on our mental health. Capturing the essence of human connection to nature, a closer look unveils a human figure integrated into the design on each stamp. Collectively, the stamps come together to inspire themes of growth and self-development.

The colours were chosen to reflect not only nature but of the brighter seasons in our calendar. From the dark and bright greens of trees in full bloom, to those warmer sunny evenings of rich orange and yellow hues, serving as a reminder that there are brighter days ahead. Typographically, BW Gradual comes into play with a distinct character and legibility, given the task at hand.