As someone who’s been living with depression more than half my life, I know how important it is to realize you might have an issue, and then to seek out treatments to help you cope with that issue.
It’s also very difficult. Like, REALLY difficult.
There’s a certain stigma associated with mental health issues . . . a very negative stigma.
When people hear the term “bipolar”, a lot of them think “crazy”.
When someone says they’re “depressed”, a common response is something like “suck it up,” or “get over it”.
Thing is . . . If you’ve got a chemical imbalance, “sucking it up” won’t change anything. In fact, it only adds to the frustration.
They’re trying to end the stigma of mental health issues, by getting people to open up, and start talking about them . . . through the use of sports-type gear.
They’ve identified several common mental health issues, and created “teams” for people with those issues to join.
The teams include the “BiPolar Bears,” the “ADHBees,” the “Foggy Dogs,” and the “Anxietees” (more “expansion teams” are coming soon).
You can then get hats, t-shirts, sweatshirts, and more to represent your “team”.
I’ve had several interesting interactions with people about my “Foggy Dogs” cap, and it opens up a dialogue about the issues, but without a lot of the associated negative stigma.
The MHL has also created a community, so you can connect with your “teammates” around the globe.
It’s a unique way of tackling a problem that’s difficult to discuss, and makes it easier for people to open up.
If you think that something is “off”, don’t be afraid to ask for help.
When your car is broken down, you go to the mechanic, right?
You deserve the same consideration. You’re worth it.
