FINALLY, a depression commercial for Asians by Asians, and just in time for Asian Pacific American Heritage month! After “watching depression commercials with little to no Asian-American representation,” Overstep Comedy writer and director OTTER LEE thought it would fitting to create a sketch that “pokes fun at the unhelpful things we’re told.” He “believes that mental health is an issue rarely talked about or tackled in Asian American communities that value an image of efficiency or success over self-care.” Well, Overstep has certainly delivered in this faux-mercial where hopelessness and suffering are totally a normal part of the asian experience. Instead of popping pills or getting therapy, it turns out the ultimate solution to depression and mental illness is just simply ignoring those feelings and forcing them deep, deep inside. What could go wrong? Enjoy this Asian Depression Commercial! (WARNING: Don’t listen to the Internet and always seek help when in need.)
This commercial was written and directed by Otter Lee, assistant directed/edited by Jatin Chhugani, produced by Nina Sharma and Teddy Hahn, and features Angel Yau, Otter Lee, Jatin Chhugani, and Sonia Nam, PLUS extras Art Cai, Andy Shartzer, Helen Shih, and Jake Foster. More team info HERE.
Mentions: Watch more content from Overstep Comedy HERE. Follow Overstep on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. National Suicide Prevention Line: 1-800-273-8255.