About us
.png)
The story of Mental State Collective began long before the brand had a name. In my early thirties, I read The Upside of Being Down by Jen Gotch. In that book, she spoke openly about being a mental health advocate, and something about her message changed my perspective. It made me realize that I didn’t need a degree or a title to make a difference — I could be an advocate simply by sharing my own journey and helping others feel less alone.
At the time, I was working my regular Monday-through-Friday job, trying to manage my own struggles with anxiety, depression, and ADHD — things I’ve battled since high school. Reading that book gave me the courage to start talking about it and to create something meaningful out of my experiences.
My first project was called War on the Inside, inspired by the song of the same name by Another Lost Year. It started small — bracelets engraved with words and sayings meant to remind people that they weren’t alone, followed by a few shirts featuring phrases about mental and emotional states. What began as a personal outlet slowly evolved into something bigger — a movement to spark awareness and connection.
In 2025, I met a man who stood by my side as I fought the longest battle with depression I’ve ever faced. His unwavering support inspired me to take my mental health advocacy to the next level. He brought skills and ideas I didn’t have, and together, one of those ideas grew into Mental State Collective — a clothing and accessories brand built on compassion, authenticity, and purpose.
Every item we create is a conversation starter — a reminder that mental health matters and that it’s okay to talk about it. With each purchase, a portion of proceeds is donated to mental health organizations, helping fund support and resources for those who need it most.
Mental State Collective is more than a brand — it’s a community for anyone fighting their own “war on the inside.” Together, we’re breaking the stigma, one piece at a time.
Thank you for your support!
Linlee & Zac