I spent much of 2019 seeing a therapist for clinical depression and anxiety. I probably spent much of the previous decade in denial about being depressed. There were some very dark days. Depression is exhausting. I needed therapy and I needed medication. Those two things and the fact that I didn’t want my family to think I quit on them kept me from taking my own life.
I share this with you because September is Suicide Prevention Awareness month. And a lack of social interaction is creating a tremendous amount of anxiety and depression across the globe. Suicide rates in the U.S. are at the highest rate since World War 2.
The National Alliance on Mental Illness HelpLine has seen a 65% increase in calls and emails since March, even though it’s not a crisis hotline.
Please check in with your loved ones and see how they’re doing. And this is me checking on you.
Please know that no matter what you’re struggling with, other people have felt the way you do.
2 Free, confidential resources available 24/7 across the U.S.
- The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is: 1-800-273-8255
- They also offer an online chat: https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/chat/
Every struggle is different, some are easy to identify- others not so much. I’m here to tell you that getting help is not a sign of weakness. It’s actually a sign of strength.
Today, protecting my mindset is something I find myself perpetually having to be vigilant about.
I’ve committed to being a force for good when it comes to mental health. Which is the prime reason I started my motivational apparel brand Chin Up Chest Out. It’s not just a catchy slogan, it’s a positive mindset. And each quarter we donate a percentage of sales to a different mental health organization.
Last quarter we made a donation to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). A young man in our local community recently lost his bout with depression and committed suicide. His parents are supporters of NAMI and I felt it was very appropriate that our first donation go to NAMI.
This is something I feel called to do to end the stigma and to give back. It’s been one of my most fulfilling professional endeavors.
We just launched our fall collection. It’s selling out quickly, like the summer collection did. And there’s no guarantee we will ever restock these items. New fall apparel like hoodies, yoga pants, long sleeve t-shirts, trucker hats and custom neck gaiters.
I really want you to be a part of it. So, because you’re a loyal reader if you use the promo code FALLFIVE at checkout, you will get $5 off your order, plus shipping is free. And every order over $100 will receive a free $10 gift card. *The promo code is only good through the weekend.
Here’s that link: https://www.ChinUpChestOut.store/fall
Again, please take a few minutes today to check on the well being of your loved ones.