Equally Well / University of Otago
Overshadowing is a quiet, often unseen form of discrimination. It happens when a person’s physical health concerns are overlooked or dismissed because they have a mental health or substance use diagnosis. The consequences can be serious—but many people don’t realise it’s happening, or that it’s not OK.
For Equally Well (University of Otago), we developed Overshadowing, an animated video to raise awareness of this issue. Its purpose? To empower people with lived experience of mental health or substance use conditions to recognise diagnostic overshadowing, understand their rights, and feel confident speaking up.
Based on Equally Well’s survey findings, the video weaves together real stories from people who have experienced overshadowing firsthand. We are grateful to those who shared their voices.
We approached the project with care—crafting a tone that was hopeful, optimistic, and empowering. Collaborating with illustrator Sandi McKechnie, we designed an abstract, thoughtful style that presents sensitive experiences with empathy and clarity. The result is an animation that encourages people to believe: your physical health matters, and you deserve to be heard.
