Dani

I discovered You Matter five years ago when I was really struggling with my mental health in 2019.  I was looking through my Instagram explore page, and I saw a post by You Matter. I looked at the page and instantly connected with the brand and its message, and I like to think I found You Matter when I needed it the most.

My journey with mental health started when I was twelve. I realized I'm gay, and it was an extremely dark and confusing time in my life. I later got into a relationship with my best friend when we were both fifteen, for the whole three years of our relationship she was battling lung cancer, and it was extremely hard to see her fighting a constant battle. She passed away in October 2022 when we were both eighteen, and it was the hardest time of my life. I was angry at myself, her, and the world. Nothing seemed fair because why would something so bad happen to one of the best people to walk this earth. It took a huge toll on my mental health and I have come a very long way since then; I met my current partner, who has been a huge help, my two best friends never left me alone, and my family was always there for me. I am happy to say I am doing so much better and doing everything to make her proud.

When facing some tough times I take care of my mental health by surrounding myself with the people I love most; I see my girlfriend, my friends, and sometimes it helps to just be alone as well.

The process of healing and taking care of your mental health is not linear; some days will be worse than others, and that's completely okay. Take a minute to breathe, and think, and remember that you are not your struggles or mental illness. You are so much more than the things you have been through.

My favorite You Matter piece is my brown Re;Mind hoodie. I love the way it fits me; it's warm but not too heavy, and it fits just right. It's also easy to style for every day looks, while conveying a beautiful message.