Mental Illness is Not a Character Flaw... That's Why I started this brand

You can’t tell based on this photo, but Alexa and I both have anxiety and have struggled with depression. That’s what mental illness looks like: it’s invisible.

For the first 2 decades of my life, I would’ve never been able to tell you this. It was only 3 years ago that I shared something (that I thought was extremely personal and embarrassing at the time) with someone who wasn’t family or a therapist: I have depression. 🙈

I’m pretty sure I even whispered it across the table, out of fear that someone would hear me. 😔

But you know what happened? I felt better. SO much better.
From that point forward, I vowed that I wanted to be brave enough to start more of these conversations, for the sake of my personal mental health, and anyone else who was struggling alone.

Hundreds upon hundreds of hours and 3 years later, @iandioutfitters is the outcome of that vision to create welcoming, non-judgmental, and non-intimidating ways to open up about mental health with friends, family, even strangers. It’s a physical representation of a greater truth: we are strong, in spite of, and inspired by our struggles: In the darkness, I am. In the light, I am.

My hope is that we can start having important dialogue about the things that matter the most, before anyone else has to suffer alone out of fear of rejection. If you struggle with mental health, like all the names listed on these sweatshirts, you’re not alone. You’re actually one of many, #amongthegreatest

If you’re reading this, I want you on my team. Your stories, your voice, and your perspective are wanted here. Welcome here. NEEDED here.

I started @iandioutfitters because I desperately wanted to be a part of a community that valued supporting and encouraging one another on our journeys. I wanted radical honesty and authenticity. And I would love for you to join me.

Check out it out for opportunities to join discussions, connect with other #mentalhealthwarriors, share your story, and sport apparel that invites us all to #findtimewellspent fighting stigma, together.