We asked the Mutters why they wear TradeMutt, this is what one legend had to say.
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Why do I wear TradeMutt gear?
Easy.
They're colourful, all cotton, good fit therefore comfy and they make me happy! I used to wear them because they were FUN but I noticed how many people would comment about them, especially the nurses at the hospitals. I was spreading the word about mental health which helped me and hopefully others as well. It made me feel like I was worth something. I know some young people who have ended things far too soon and wondered what could be so bad that they couldn't go on. This was probably the main reason for starting to wear your shirts all those years ago now. I saw them on Facebook and looked into them. What a great idea I thought. If I can help just one person from a quick chat, it's worth it. Little did I know it would all help me later on.
I have mild depression caused mainly from many ongoing health problems. I was the type of person to 'disguise' my depression with an 'I'm fine, it's fine, everything's fine' attitude so nobody knew about it.
One day I walked into the specialists office and she immediately picked up that I wasn't myself and asked if I was OK. I just broke down in tears and finally admitted that I'm NOT OK. That was one of the hardest things I've ever done in my life. She was very reassuring and positive about about it and also told me that I was one of the 'strongest patients she knows'. She said I was always so positive about all my health issues and just did what I was told and carried on with life. But with the amount of BS I've been through in the past 4 years she was surprised it didn't happen sooner. (I think that was because I was always wearing colourful TradeMutt shirts) I was put on antidepressants and I feel more like me again. I still have my days but I know I can talk about it and let it all out. Don't bottle it up!
So I don't just wear TradeMutt shirts to start conversations for other people, I start them for myself as well.
Thank you for a great product with a fantastic meaning behind them.
Keep it up guys.
PS: I now have 29 shirts, a blanket, lunch bag, lanyard, stubby coolers, 2 water bottles, thermal mug, 2 keyrings and a pack of cards!
