Now here’s what it means to really make a fashion statement! A new clothing line out of Canada is prompting conversations about mental health and illness by putting cheeky slogans on t-shirts. Wear Your Label’’s t-shirts and tank tops have phrases like “self-care isn’t selfish” and “sad, but rad” - all in the hope, according to the founders, of reducing the stigma around issues of mental health disorders, like depression, anorexia and bulimia, and anxiety.

"Mental illness is invisible — you can't see it," co-founder Kyle MacNevin told Today.com said, "When you break your arm, you get a cast. It's a symbol to the world that something happened and you're getting better. We try to do that with our clothing. So it says, I'm going through something, but I'm working on it."

Photo: Where Your Label | Sad, but rad

The company, founded roughly eight months ago, was the innovative idea of MacNevin and friend Kayley Reed, both of the University of New Brunswick. The two connected over their mutual struggle with mental health issues. While the pair were initially reticent to discuss complications with mental health together, they said that breaking the taboo and sharing their struggles brought them closer.

Photo: Where Your Label | Wear your label!

The comfort in being able to have a conversation about mental illness, and finding support in one-another’s experience, prompted MacNevin and Reed to want to create a similar support network for other individuals struggling with mental health. The idea behind the clothing is to prompt conversations, and make the recognition of mental health issues a little less difficult to identify and engage with. Says Reed, "A lot of times we don't recognize symptoms or know anything is wrong, and all it can take is that one conversation to get someone to open up.” The Wear Your Label’s brand strives to make starting conversations about mental health a little easier by bringing the issue into the public eye through style.

Photo: Where Your Label | Stressed, but well dressed

According to the Wear Your Label’s website, “one in five people will experience mental illness in their lifetime, yet no one is talking about it.” And this is a major issue - particularly when you look at the high incidence of impoverishment among individuals with mental health issues. The WHO reports that “an overwhelming majority of people with mental and psychosocial disabilities are living in poverty.” Why? Because of social stigma and discrimination against individuals with mental issues face. While stigmatization of mental illness is nothing new, it’s becoming increasingly apparent that we, global citizens, need to step up and take action.

Photo: Where Your Label | Sick, but not weak!

That’s what makes the work of Wear Your Label so inspiring. Not only is the social enterprise increasing conversation by selling stylin’ tees - the company also gives 10% of their profits to local and national organizations supporting mental health awareness. Talking about mental illness is tough. It’s tough for the person who is experiencing problems, and also for the individuals who love that person. And while it’s always important to get professional help for medical issues (take it from a social worker!), the open, honest, and supportive communication of family and friends can significantly help individuals who are struggling. Sometimes the best medicine is a shoulder to lean-on and lending an ear.


Mental health is of growing importance as it’s increasingly recognized that individuals with psychosocial disabilities are marginalized and discriminated against. Due to heavy stigma, all too often, people are afraid not only to speak about mental health issues, but even recognize difficulties they may be facing. If you or someone you love is having problems, reach out! MHR, Teen Mental Health, and the National Institute of Mental Health all have great resources. Even if you currently don’t know anyone who is experiencing mental health concerns, it’s a good idea to research mental illness to be a more empathetic and informed global citizen. Want to go even further? Support Wear Your Label by purchasing a super cool tee for a good cause (make sure to share your photo of you rocking the tee on social media!)! I have already put in my order!!

Editorial

Armut beenden

Making mental illness more visible - through some really cool t-shirts

Ein Beitrag von Former Global Citizen Staff Writer