They say you are known for what you wear. One local group is taking that idea to new heights.
Chesapeake Voyagers, a Peer Support organization based out of Easton where their Wellness and Recovery Center is located wanted to take a stand against the overwhelming stigma regarding mental health and addiction. One vehicle they found to voice their message was something that is critical yet often taken for granted: clothing. “People read t-shirts, almost instinctively, and obviously everyone has to wear something!” said Executive Director Diane Lane. In 2015, members and staff of CVI, which is 100% peer run and welcoming to anyone dealing with any form of mental health and/or addiction issues, designed a simple t-shirt with an extraordinary message.
The back of the t-shirt contains a word bubble, a popular design feature that highlights words or phrases related to a particular idea or theme. Instead of the detrimental words often associated with mental health, the members chose healthy positive and uplifting words, such as “courageous”, “strong”, “talented” and “hopeful”. These were words that members associated with themselves, despite the diagnosis they may have. Words were voted on and the most popular ones were the largest on the word bubble and the message “End Stigma One Word at a Time” is printed along with it. On the front of the t-shirt, a bold statement grabs your attention “Let’s talk about Mental Health and Addiction. “
“The more we can educate, the more we can advocate and help reduce the stigma around mental health,” Diane continues. “It’s time these issues be brought out and spoken about, not hidden behind closed doors.”
The numbers support her assessment. Statistically, 1 in 4 Americans live with a mental health illness or disorder. However, according to recent research, only around 35% of those receive treatment. Despite the fact that when using proven treatment options, nearly 80% of individuals see a significant reduction is symptoms and an increase in overall quality of life. The vast majority of those living with mental health issues live happy, healthy and productive lives.
The t-shirts became an overnight success. The initial order of over 200 shirts and 20 sweatshirts are now down to only a handful. The shirts were offered for sale to members, staff and the general public. Members and staff wear the t-shirts out to events sponsored by CVI and on any other given day. Sure enough, people ask about them and what they are about. “It’s amazing how many people would come up to us and ask where they could get one,” says Maria Jenkins, a Peer Support Specialist who works at the center. They began offering them to anyone who inquired. The shirt was even featured on the front page of The Washington Post when a photographer ran a picture of someone wearing one during the Keep the Door Open Rally in Annapolis this past February.
The amount of inquiries from people encouraged the staff at CVI to design educational cards to go with them. The small business like cards give more information on how to overcome mental health and addiction stigma and, information on Chesapeake Voyagers and how, if interested they can order their own shirts.
“Oftentimes if we are out in public it can be difficult to have a long conversation with someone regarding stigma and mental health, especially with strangers. The cards are a great way to say, ‘hey here is some more information’,” notes CVI’s Program Coordinator, Avra Sullivan.
A new order of t-shirts and sweatshirts is being processed at this time and should be available by the end of May. The shirts are $15 and the sweatshirts are $25. Anyone interested in purchasing a shirt may call the center at 410-822-1601.
Write a Letter to the Editor on this Article
We encourage readers to offer their point of view on this article by submitting the following form. Editing is sometimes necessary and is done at the discretion of the editorial staff.