Young adults face a variety of challenges (e.g., coping with major life transitions; dealing with complicated family dynamics; etc.) but less 20% receive the proper treatment. Talking to a therapist has been proven to help in identifying and understanding these stressors and in developing strategies to manage the symptoms.

Many of the FWPT LLC target consumers, ages 16 – 29 mainly but not limited to Toronto/Canada (similar to that of Stella’s Place), want to take part in therapy, but are often reluctant due to the associated weakness stigmas as well as the high cost. The thought was to create a piece of charitable merchandise that resembles overcoming mental health and have 100% of its profits go towards a well established local young adult mental health assessment and treatment center with charitable status (i.e., Stella’s Place) that offers therapy free of charge.

The goal of the design is to shift the narrative that people who seek help to better their mental health are strong rather than weak. The unique take on the renowned barcode symbol is a reminder to break through the labels other people put on you and see the value in yourself (hence the “DON’T SELL YOURSELF SHORT”). The woman bending the bars symbolizes the strength that it takes to escape from the figurative prison of mental health challenges.