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Canada Clothing Line Fights Mental Health Stigma
Contributor: Courtney Howard, B.A., Director of Operations & Business Development at Eating Disorder Hope and Addiction Hope.
Clothing can serve many purposes. On a basic level, it keeps you covered and warm. On deeper levels, it can provide an outlet for creativity and self-expression.
It has the power to change the way you feel and how others perceive you. And now it is even a catalyst to start conversations on mental health awareness.
The fashion industry has long been entangled with the eating disorder community, so this new blending of fashion with mental health advocacy has the potential to change the conversation and the industry’s role in combatting eating disorders.
Wear Your Label
Founded by Kayley Reed and Kyle MacNevin, Wear Your Label is a clothing line based out of Canada that was created as a means to fight the stigma surrounding mental illness. Reed and MacNevin were students when they met while working at a mental health organization and bonded over their shared experiences with mental illness. They recognized that stigma and shame often keep people from being able to talk about mental health issues as freely as they did, and sought to correct this.
The clothing line features shirts that read, “It’s Okay Not to Be Okay,” and, “Anxious but Courageous.” These strong messages of self-care and self-love are conversation-starters that chip away at the stigma around mental health, one tank top at a time.
Wear Your Label also features awareness bracelets for specific mental health disorders, including eating disorders, mood disorders, PTSD, and more. 10 percent of all purchases are donated to related mental health organizations or causes.
In addition to the conversation-starting merchandise, Wear Your Label casts Role Models to model their clothing online and in many of the company’s live fashion shows. These Role Models are strong individuals who have overcome their own mental health struggles and look to empower others through sharing their stories of recovery.
In 2014, Reed and MacNevin were recognized as Champions of Mental Wellness by the Canadian Mental Health Association. They continue to be national advocates for mental health awareness and legislation throughout Canada.
Fashion Industry & Eating Disorders
The fashion industry has had a rocky relationship with the eating disorder community for decades, as extremely thin models and excessive Photoshop used in many magazines and advertisements are often credited with contributing to high rates of eating disorders worldwide.
Models are at high risk for the development of eating disorders, which the recently introduced AB 2539 aims to address. AB 2539 is a California bill that would not only regulate the fashion industry, but ensure models have access to adequate eating disorder resources.
Some clothing lines also have a tendency to glamorize eating disorders through images and words printed on their items. An example is the oddly famous shirt that reads, “Please Don’t Feed the Models,” or those that feature Kate Moss’ dangerous quote, “Nothing Tastes as Good as Skinny Feels.” These graphic tees and similar items send a dangerous message that glamorizes disordered eating to the young people often targeted in ad campaigns, both in-store and online.
By spreading positive messages on mental health that start a productive dialogue, Wear Your Label is undoing some of the damage caused by the fashion industry and these other clothing lines.
The Importance of Talking About It
Talking about mental health is something that is just starting to become socially acceptable. For too long, it has been taboo. This only perpetuates the shame and stigma surrounding mental illness.
A 2002 article [1] on the effects of stigma on the mental health community perfectly describes the way that “…people with serious mental illness are challenged doubly,” meaning that they struggle with the effects of their illness but also the stereotypes, myths, and resulting social stigma. Many often internalize this stigma, leading to more shame and self-judgment for something they have no control over.
This is why organizations and initiatives like Wear Your Label are so important. They start the conversation and encourage the public, especially youth, to break the stigma and talk about what they are going through. The more people are able to share their stories, the more hope there is for those struggling.
Share Your Story
Recovery stories within the eating disorder community are incredibly valuable. They show that true recovery is possible and provide encouragement and motivation to those currently in the fight.
We encourage you to share your story of what recovery means to you, including any advice you have for those currently struggling with an eating disorder, through our Pro-Recovery Vlog Series. Speak your truth today!
Community Discussion – Share your thoughts here!
How do you think companies like Wear Your Label are effectively changing the conversation on mental health?
About the Author: Courtney Howard is the Director of Operations & Business Development at Eating Disorder Hope and Addiction Hope. She graduated summa cum laude with a B.A. from San Diego State University, holds a paralegal certificate in Family Law, and is a Certified Domestic Violence Advocate. After obtaining her certification as a life coach, Courtney launched Lionheart Eating Disorder Recovery Coaching in 2015 and continues to be a passionate advocate for awareness and recovery.
References:
[1]: Corrigan, P. W., & Watson, A. C. (2002). Understanding the impact of stigma on people with mental illness. World Psychiatry, 1(1), 16–20.The opinions and views of our guest contributors are shared to provide a broad perspective of eating disorders. These are not necessarily the views of Eating Disorder Hope, but an effort to offer discussion of various issues by different concerned individuals.
We at Eating Disorder Hope understand that eating disorders result from a combination of environmental and genetic factors. If you or a loved one are suffering from an eating disorder, please know that there is hope for you, and seek immediate professional help.
Last Updated & Reviewed By: Jacquelyn Ekern, MS, LPC on September 6, 2016
Published on EatingDisorderHope.com
The EatingDisorderHope.com editorial team comprises experienced writers, editors, and medical reviewers specializing in eating disorders, treatment, and mental and behavioral health.
