Mental Illness is Not a Character Flaw... That's Why I started this brand

in mental •  5 years ago 

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You can’t tell based on this photo, but Alexa and I both have anxiety and have struggled with depression. That’s what mental illness looks like: it’s invisible.

For the first 2 decades of my life, I would’ve never been able to tell you this. It was only 3 years ago that I shared something (that I thought was extremely personal and embarrassing at the time) with someone who wasn’t family or a therapist: I have depression. 🙈

I’m pretty sure I even whispered it across the table, out of fear that someone would hear me. 😔

But you know what happened? I felt better. SO much better.
From that point forward, I vowed that I wanted to be brave enough to start more of these conversations, for the sake of my personal mental health, and anyone else who was struggling alone.

Hundreds upon hundreds of hours and 3 years later, @iandioutfitters is the outcome of that vision to create welcoming, non-judgmental, and non-intimidating ways to open up about mental health with friends, family, even strangers. It’s a physical representation of a greater truth: we are strong, in spite of, and inspired by our struggles: In the darkness, I am. In the light, I am.

My hope is that we can start having important dialogue about the things that matter the most, before anyone else has to suffer alone out of fear of rejection. If you struggle with mental health, like all the names listed on these sweatshirts, you’re not alone. You’re actually one of many, #amongthegreatest

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If you’re reading this, I want you on my team. Your stories, your voice, and your perspective are wanted here. Welcome here. NEEDED here.

I started @iandioutfitters because I desperately wanted to be a part of a community that valued supporting and encouraging one another on our journeys. I wanted radical honesty and authenticity. And I would love for you to join me.

Check out it out for opportunities to join discussions, connect with other #mentalhealthwarriors, share your story, and sport apparel that invites us all to #findtimewellspent fighting stigma, together.

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Welcome back. :)

You're here! I was just thinking of you, going through old posts and how helpful you were to explain so many things to me! What's your handle on IG?

I don't really have IG after FB bought it :D mostly just use Steem now, you should too. ;)

Highly rEsteemed!

Fully with you for stigma free society and individuals. I remembered reading somewhere “would anyone say - just try to get better if someone is suffering from asthma or flu?” Mental illness is no different. Impact on the sufferers is similar to physical illness if not more. Like your honesty, authenticity and courage 🙏🏼. Upvoted✅

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THANK YOU! So true :) Thank you for taking the time to read and spread positivity.

And followed you😊

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Also if you are interested we run regular SGM (Steemit Group Meditation) on Discord. For more details https://partiko.app/@naturalmedicine/mindful-life-monday-with-guest-bewithbreath-amazing-way-to-start-and-end-the-day?referrer=bewithbreath

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Could not find @iandioutfitters - is spelling wrong?

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Hello!

This post has been manually curated, resteemed
and gifted with some virtually delicious cake
from the @helpiecake curation team!

Much love to you from all of us at @helpie!
Keep up the great work!


helpiecake

Manually curated by @macchiata.