I started 988 with the hopes that everyone, including myself, could become more comfortable talking about their mental health struggles. Even though there has been progress in supporting peoples’ mental health, most of us still believe these struggles should be hidden from view. It’s a problem that just further exacerbates our issues. And it’s a problem I am a part of.

Being vulnerable is one of the hardest things to do, because it opens you up to so much scrutiny. We wonder, if we speak openly about our troubles, who will judge us, in what ways, and for what pieces of ourselves. We hide our true feelings and insecurities because we don’t want to show weakness. Sometimes we feel we can’t show weakness. We don’t want to burden those around us with troubles that aren’t “big enough” or “serious enough.”

But I don’t want to be a part of the problem anymore. I have struggled with my own mental health and reaching out to others has never been easy for me. I have suffered through anxiety for years, bouts of depression, and am currently in treatment for an eating disorder.

I started 988 Clothing to keep the conversation going for myself and for everyone else who is quietly struggling to keep up with everything: school, friendships, expectations, relationships, and our growing mental health struggles. My hope with 988 is to show people it’s okay to openly talk about your mental health struggles and that reaching out to people for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. It’s a lesson I’m still learning, but one I’m no longer willing to learn in silence.

Growing up, I felt as if I was alone in a world that didn’t want to acknowledge my struggles. In my family, when I was having a bad day I was told to “power through.” However, as I got older those bad days weren’t just occasional bad days, they became my normal. I was diagnosed in 7th grade with anxiety and ADHD. 

In school, the accommodations I received helped me continue finding success, however, outside of school these issues affected me even more deeply. My ADHD would paralyze me when trying to accomplish tasks and my anxiety would be a constant reminder of what I was failing to do. When my illnesses affect my school work, it heavily impacts my relationships, too. My ADHD pushes me into outbursts I can’t control and my anxiety drives stream of consciousness word vomits. 

Like me, most aren’t taught how their diagnosis will affect their relationships. And most aren’t taught how to cope when struggling due to their mental health. This is why I joined 988: to continue the conversation about mental health. 988 has the power to inspire authentic conversations about mental health through our clothing and help all of us get the support and education we need to live more positively and confidently within ourselves.

I joined 988 to make mental health an easier subject to talk about. Through personal experiences, especially those I love, I’ve learned that when we stop talking about mental health, actions that help stop as well.

I struggled to express my own problems, mainly because I didn’t know where to start. I couldn’t imagine being vulnerable with other people, because I figured they couldn’t relate. I didn’t realize that other people were going through the exact same things as me. But it’s starting and continuing those conversations with people who will listen, where progress begins.

Through my own struggles, clothing has taken a unique position in my life. It’s a place where we communicate so much about ourselves and where we can find comfort or unfortunately sadness. I wanted to help create clothing that we can all be comfortable in that helps us find comfort between each other, as well. Working with 988 I can combine my desire to help people like me learn that they aren’t alone, while also pursuing my passion for fashion and apparel that goes beyond just an item of clothing.

Growing up, I struggled with my mental health and faced relentless bullying about my body, which ultimately led to my developing body dysmorphia. I didn’t understand or appreciate how it was the people outside of me that were driving my anxiety about my body. I learned that vulnerability was frowned upon and a weakness. But the more I confronted my mental health, the more I realized vulnerability is actually a superpower. It demonstrates the courage to express your anxieties, stressors, and biggest fears, and allows others to support you. Ultimately, it’s that support from others that helps you become stronger and overcome your challenges. 

When you open up and share your struggles, you create opportunities for connection, understanding, and healing. 988 Clothing creates a space for people to be vulnerable,  strengthening the conversation around mental health and fostering a community where those who struggle with their mental health can grow together. Our mission is to break down the stigmas associated with mental health issues, to promote an environment where people feel safe to express their true selves, and remind everyone that they are not alone. We believe that by sharing our stories and supporting each other, we can build a more compassionate and resilient society. Through our clothing, we aim to inspire conversations, raise awareness, and foster a sense of unity and strength among all who wear our brand.

For the longest time, I felt like I was the only one who could understand what I was going through. I thought I had to battle alone in my struggles with my mental health. Until one day I saw a Moth storyteller telling me exact story. It was the first time I realized that somebody else knew exactly what OCD felt like and exactly what ways you develop to cope with it. And it was also the first time I realized how powerful sharing your story is for other people.

That's why I joined 988 Clothing, to share my story and help others learn from the difficulties I've faced, so that they know they are not alone. While it seems like our job is to quietly power through and figure things out on our own, the truth is our biggest successes always come from the support of others. So, I want to keep the conversation going and let everyone know that struggling with your mental health is okay and that getting help from your friends, family, therapists, or even people sharing their stories that you can relate to is an incredible way to help yourself move forward. And that by sharing your story you'll find the compassion, empathy, and support you're looking for. Keep the conversation going for yourself and for everyone around you that you might not notice is fighting their quiet battle, too.