My MNTL HLTH MTRS because HE MTRS!

🔥📸 @maegenchristie (PLEASE GO FOLLOW AND BOOK HER!)

💡Story behind the post💡
Bruh, I CRIED thinking about this post yesterday morning. Then CRIED again telling Maegen about the caption I was going to use. Then I was floored when she sent me the images.

You see, I never went to therapy until my son was 6 months old.

Trying to manage my emotions and thoughts while married was one thing, but becoming a Dad made me realize even more how important it was for me to get a better hold on my mental health in order to become a better person for myself, for my wife and now my son!

This design is powerful to me because I’ve seen the improvement made over the past two years. And I recognize the stigma around the topic that guys like me don’t really talk about.

The swerve/spiral part of the design was not just to be creative but also intentional as navigating one’s mental health is not always a straight line and takes a lot of time and intentionality to see progress.

It’s my hope that this design resonates with folks who are struggling with their mental health and need to seek help; with those who feel ashamed for getting the help; and to champion those who are advocating for their mental health and those around them.

If you read this far, thank you! I hope you take your mental health seriously and encourage others to do the same!

#UNYC #MNTLHLTHMTRS #mentalhealth #fatherhood #dad #dadlife #father #fatherandson #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealthmatters #faith #therapy #counseling #gethelp

Towards the end of 2023 I had the privilege of sitting down with James Laboy, to be interviewed for SEASON TWO of his Podcast “Who’s Next Podcast”. During our chat I was able to share some of the history of UNYC and the journey along the last 12 years. This included highlighting our efforts to give back to people in Puerto Rico, collaborating with events like The Ology and our purpose driven merch with powerful statements like “MNTL HLTH MTRS.”

I’m grateful to James and his production crew for wanting to highlight the impact we have made and continue to make in the NYC Creative community.

Please check out my episode and WATCH, LIKE, COMMENT & SUBSCRIBE to the Who’s Next Podcast where the mission is: “We talk with our next leaders, creators and world changers. Bringing inspiration and hope to you.”

As we approach the end of an incredible year, I wanted to express my deepest gratitude to YOU for being a part of the UNYC community. Your support has been instrumental in our mission to inspire and empower creatives to discover and develop their unique gifts. As we reflect on the journey of 2023, I'm excited to share some exciting news with you!

🎉 Year End Sale - Up to 50% Off! 🎉

To show our appreciation, we're thrilled to announce the UNYC Year End Sale, where you can enjoy exclusive discounts of up to 50% on selected items. As a token of our gratitude, use promo code ‘THANKSFOR23’ at checkout to unlock an additional 10% off your purchase. It's our way of saying thank you for being a vital part of the UNYC family.

🚀 Embracing 2023 Themes: "Quitting Is Not An Option" and "MNTL HLTH MTRS" 🚀

As we gear up for the coming year, our 2023 themes, "Quitting Is Not An Option" and "MNTL HLTH MTRS," have resonated deeply with our community. We believe that breakthroughs happen just after those challenging moments when we feel like giving up. It's a reminder that your journey is uniquely yours, and every obstacle is an opportunity for growth.

Our focus on mental health is a testament to the belief that "MNTL HLTH MTRS." I've personally shared my mental health and therapy journey in the hope that it inspires others to prioritize their mental well-being, speak up, and ask for help when needed. At UNYC, we believe in the power of community support and destigmatizing conversations around mental health.

💬 A Message Beyond Merch: Inspiring Change 💬

While our merchandise might not be everyone's style, our ultimate goal is for the message to resonate loudly and help someone on their journey. Your uniqueness is your strength, and we want our content to serve as a constant reminder that you are UNYC - there is no one like you.

🌈 Looking Ahead to 2024 🌈

As we step into 2024, I'm excited about the possibilities that lie ahead. While I can't predict the exact themes, messages, designs, or events UNYC will share, I hope that everyone who encounters our content, whether new or old, feels inspired and reminded of their uniqueness.

Thank you for being an integral part of UNYC. Your support fuels our passion for making a positive impact on the creative community. Explore the Year End Sale now, and let's continue this incredible journey together!

Shop Now ➡️ www.iamunyc.com

Wishing you a joyful holiday season and a UNYC-filled New Year!

Your Friend,

Eli

Founder, UNYC

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by UNYC™️ (@iamunyc)

September 2023 - Over the past year I have taken a more intentional approach to caring for my Mental Health by sitting in weekly Therapy sessions to address and talk about my struggles. The value and results so far from these conversations has broken the stigma/stereotype of “counseling” or “going to therapy” and I realize that I should have done it way sooner!

Struggling with self-doubt, FOMO, and the paralyzing affects of worrying about other people’s opinions (among other things) has brought me to some low moments emotionally, mentally and even shown in my behavior. So while I continue to have good and bad days, I have tried to be intentional, daily at consuming positive and healthy content that would affirm who I am as a UNYC person on this planet, who I am to God and remind me that I am blessed.

One way I practice self-care is by creating, or getting ideas out of my head onto the computer. Sometimes it’s creating in photoshop and some time ago I designed this new t-shirt “MNTL HLTH MTRS” or “Mental Health Matters”. It was a phrase I was seeing and/or thinking of often and I felt like it’s so important to remember so I created something UNYC with it.

June is Men’s Mental Health Awareness month and I couldn’t get this out in time, but i also learned that September is Suicide Prevention Awareness Month. So in support for mental health awareness and suicide prevention I decided to release the new “MNTL HLTH MTRS” T-shirt.

This shirt serves as a reminder to take care of not only your physical health but also your mental health. Encourage your friends, family, and followers to do the same by sharing this message and opening up conversations about mental health awareness.

There’s a famous quote that goes, "The greatest wealth is health," and this includes mental health. Having discussions about mental health is essential to break the stigma surrounding it, and wearing this shirt encourages those dialogues. 

Remember, "It's okay not to be okay", and it's okay to seek help. 

The “MNTL HLTH MTRS” T-shirt is now available to order in our online store. Make a statement with your wardrobe and join us in our mission to raise mental health awareness and prevent suicide. Each shirt purchased not only supports this cause but also reminds you and everyone who sees it that mental health matters and it's essential to look after our minds as much as our bodies.