End the Stigma: You Are Not Alone

At Purple Gorilla Design, we believe in kindness, love, and the power of community. Our new Mental Health Awareness Collection is deeply personal, and it’s a mission close to my heart. As a suicide survivor, I know firsthand the struggles that too often feel too heavy to bear. But I also know this: you are not alone. You are never alone.

The words "End the Stigma" aren’t just a slogan—they’re a call to action. For far too long, mental health has been wrapped in silence and shame. People hesitate to reach out, fearing they’ll be seen as weak or judged for their struggles. But the truth is, asking for help isn’t weakness; it’s one of the most courageous things you can do. Admitting we’re human, vulnerable, and hurting takes strength, and that strength deserves to be celebrated—not silenced.

I’ve been there—in the darkest corners of my mind, where it felt like the only way out was to leave everything behind. It’s a terrifying, isolating place to be, and one I wouldn’t wish on anyone. But what saved me was connection. The realization that I didn’t have to fight the battle on my own. That there were people who loved me, cared for me, and would hold me up when I couldn’t stand.

This collection is for all of us who have felt lost, who are still fighting, or who love someone who is struggling. It’s for the survivors, the supporters, and the advocates working every day to change the narrative. Each design carries a message of hope, resilience, and the reminder that reaching out is not a sign of weakness—it’s a bridge to healing.

When you wear or share something from this collection, you’re helping to break the silence. You’re showing someone—maybe even yourself—that it’s okay to not be okay. That it’s okay to cry, to talk, to heal. That no one has to suffer in silence or feel ashamed of their pain.

Together, we can end the stigma surrounding mental health. We can create a world where asking for help is as normal as taking care of a broken bone. Where compassion is the default and no one feels like they have to fight alone.

If you’re struggling, please know this: you are loved. You are enough. There is help, there is hope, and there are people who want to walk alongside you on this journey. Reach out, speak up, and let others in. Because together, we are stronger.

And if you know someone who may be struggling, be their light. Check in, listen without judgment, and remind them that they matter. Sometimes, a small act of kindness can save a life.

At PGD, staying purple means being a beacon of love and hope in a world that sometimes feels overwhelming. Let’s break the stigma. Let’s be kind. Let’s remind everyone—ourselves included—that there is no shame in seeking help.

You are not alone. And you never will be.

💜
Art Schoonmaker
Purple Gorilla Design