Today I want to talk about something that’s been on my mind ever since I launched this website. I just want to be clear, dark humor has always been a coping skill for me and I tend to use it often. That being said, I have merchandise for sale that has dark humor on it. However, even though these sayings may make you giggle at first or take a second glance, these sayings aren’t a joke. They are real thoughts I have had and have made into merchandise.
Some people may think, “why the hell would I wear something so out there with my mental health?” or “why would I want to display I have a certain condition or any insinuation at all of me having mental health issues?” Well to answer that, I don’t see it as a displaying moment but a moment of owning your conditions and wearing that piece of clothing proudly.
I even had a close friend tell me, “I resonate with all of these sayings and LOVE a certain saying but I don’t want people to know I struggle :(.” This broke my heart. Not only for my friend, but also for anyone feeling this way. I used to feel this way. I used to be in denial of all the issues I contain and hid them from the world. Today, I’ll proudly tell my story and give you my resume of issues without batting an eye. I’ve grown and come to understand that THIS, is me. There are just some things I can’t change about myself no matter how badly I’d like to. I don’t have a brain engineer to rewire me correctly. Even if I did have access, I wouldn’t accept the offer with everything I’ve learned today due to these issues I contain.
I hate to think that such a small gesture of wearing mental health merchandise could cause such an anxious thought. That’s not what I want at all. I want people to proudly wear this merchandise whether that be in support of themselves, loved ones, myself, or anyone in their lives. I want people to smile wearing this merchandise, not be scared to wear or purchase at all.
I could care less about the amount of people buying merchandise I have made. However, if the reason for you not, is because of worrying what others think of you. I want you to know that YOU were beautifully and miraculously made in God’s image. Even if you contain certain issues, you are still beautifully and miraculously created. You are still HERE, ALIVE.
I understand this subject alone is difficult to discuss, let alone wear. However, I encourage you to step out of your comfort zone and just think, could I feel empowered instead of diminished wearing such a piece of clothing?
Some parts of the mental health awareness movement include educating yourself, stepping out of your comfort zone, HAVING CONVERSATIONS WITH OTHERS, and holding a mirror up to oneself. Like I’ve said before, I want to be a part of this movement in any way I can. Thus, the reason for today’s topic. A main part of the mental health awareness movement is change. Change in the way you think, change in the way you view others and their lives, change in the way you approach this subject, and overall to change the stigma around mental health.
Mental health gets more and more discussion as the years pass, but we aren’t quite there yet. I’ve really come to realize this, this past year when I too wanted to be a part of this movement. We are right on the cusp of letting everyone fall over the line and all be in agreement or at least on terms with a better understanding of the subject. We’re right there. Mental health needs to be normalized and talked about more. I think some of the merchandise in the store will make others take a second glance and think, “Huh. How brave of that human to wear such a thing.” or “I wonder if I would have the guts to wear something like that.”
We have the choice to passively watch the world and its issues around us or we can take a stand and join in. Participation is a huge aspect to change. We could even lead in many divisions. Change starts with you. We all have to take that leap on our own. We can encourage others, but ultimately it’s up to every human being and their mind.
I want to leave y’all with one of my most favorite quotes I think anyone can resonate with. This quote has helped me immensely during dark times and I hope it can help at least one person reading today. If you’ve made it this far, thank you for taking time out of your day to read this. I just want this subject to not be so judged and stigmatized. Like many others do too, I’m sure. I hope you have a great end to your weekend and even better start to your week. Remember, always give yourself some grace.
“You will hurt when you are meant to hurt. And love when you are meant to love. No matter how good you are to people, no matter what you do or don’t do, whatever it may be—If it’s meant for you, then it is meant for you. And it will show you what you need to know. What you need to experience in order for you to grow, and at the right time too.
Like I said, what is meant for you is meant for you, and no one can take that away. No one can dictate what is going on in your life right now at this very instant. Just know [that] how it is, [is] exactly where you need to be. So, take these experiences as they come. Take them in with all [your] heart.
With all [your] soul. And at your own pace. There are lessons to be learned from everything. Bad or good. Lessons to be passed down, despite your best efforts to avoid them.”
R.M. Drake
xoxo -KayJo