Introducing... Mental Health is Cool

Realizing a dream I first had 16 years ago in the psychiatric ward

Photos of an old college notebook -- where I first dreamt up MENTAL HEALTH IS COOL

It all started in the psych ward. Psychotic, hypomanic, and raging against a world that never seemed to love me back, I began to scribble in one of my college notebooks.

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What if the world could tell me who was safe and who wasn’t?

What if — amidst my mind on fire and imaginary demons — there was a symbol for who I can trust with my truth?

What if — when my mind wants me to die but I don’t actually want to — there is a way to know which door to knock on?

I need a goddamn Underground Railroad for people like me.

I need a beacon, a code, a flickering candle in the window that proclaims safety.

I need something.

We need something.

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There’s the pride flag.

There’s the pink ribbons for breast cancer.

But where the heck is the symbol for — I love you in all of your colors and seasons and even if what you say is terrifying and heartbreaking, all of you is safe with me, exactly as you are? 

Yeah where the hell is that?

What is solidarity, safety and support? In a symbol? 

And what if you could wear …