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.

The summer going into my junior year, a friend of mine tried to take her own life. She explained that she had been feeling overwhelmed and alone for months, and wanted her pain to end. I knew she was struggling, but I also knew that she didn't like to talk about her own mental health because she felt ashamed. Many people choose to suffer in silence, because they are scared how people will react.

The truth is, being honest and open isn't easy, especially when people live in fear of being judged or misunderstood. We all have trouble asking for help when we are feeling anxious or overwhelmed, because we are told to power through struggles instead of admitting we need help. For my friend, what started with a simple conversation turned into medical support and recovery. Her ability to be vulnerable saved her life. Small moments, like talking to a friend or family member, can turn into real change. That's why I joined 988 Clothing, to help start conversations about mental health for all of us and normalize our need for help and support.