#IWillBeOkay ‘Fight Against Depression’ Awareness Campaign is a non-profit project that I have been working on lately. After weeks of planning, preparation, and stress, it is finally launched 🙂

I am not your conventional girl. I do not believe that it is a stigma to admit that you have depression. Last year when I came out openly talking about my depression, I gave a shock to everyone I know. To my friends, clients, readers or even family members, I am a cheerful, talkative, strong-will, fierce lady. “How is it possible you have depression? You are always cheerful!”, friends said. But often it is also this type of personality that depression like to creep into. I found out late. I know something is wrong with me but I did not know what. Until one day, where I wanted to end my life there and then, that a friend called me on the phone sensing I might be in trouble, telling me I have a serious problem. That I have depression. I told myself if I ever survive this I will not be any other person that do not talk about it. I always believe that being a blogger is not about how famous I can get or how many products I was sent and even how many event I go to. It is about changing other people’s life, it is about inspiring others and empowering them in a way. That is me. That is what I believe and has been doing. Thus Modern Mavens was born. People told me I should keep the whole depression thingy to myself only. I do not understand why I would want to do that IF I knew I can help others by speaking out about it. The issue I had was I did not even know I have depression because I did not know anything as no one talks about it. When I found out I have depression it was a tad bit too late. I did not want others to go through what I went through – not knowing you had depression due to lack of knowledge and understanding.

A month ago out of the blue I wanted to come out with my own T-shirt line. I did not know how to or what I am going to do about it. I just knew I have to do it. I wanted to give back to the community. Charity has been something I want to do more and focus on for 2016 onwards. Fast forward to today. #IWillBeOkay was born.

I believe it is important to educate and create an awareness on depression as well as to encourage those who are suffering from depression to seek the help they need. Through #IWillBeOkay campaign, I have created this T-shirt and all proceeds will go to All Women’s Action Society (also known as AWAM), an independent feminist organisation committed to end gender-based violence and upholding equality and rights for all.

There are two T-shirt design up for sale for #IWillBeOkay campaign. The Black version with the quote “Stars Can’t Shine Without Darkness” (as you can see from the top) and a White version with the quote “Nothing Can Dim The Light That Shines From Within”. Both shirt will be selling for RM39.90 (worldwide shipping offered) and it comes in two different cutting – ladies slim fit cutting and unisex cutting. 100% of the proceeds goes to All Women’s Action Society (also known as AWAM), an independent feminist organisation committed to end gender-based violence and upholding equality and rights for all, an NGO which I have work with before for White Ribbon Run 2015.

The whole photoshoot was not necessary but since it is afterall the launch of a life-long awareness campaign for something close to my heart, why not! The idea was to capture my everyday lifestyle. You know…beauty, coffee and of course running!

Both #IWillBeOkay T-shirt sale will be available for 2 weeks only – from 15th to 30th May 2016 at this link. It is at an affordable RM39.90 where 100% of the profits will be donated to AWAM. This launch will not be possible without the help from everyone at Teeyoot, from the Co-Founder, Business Development, Operations and many more. So let’s make this campaign a success and remove the stigma as well as to encourage those who are suffering from depression to seek all the support and treatment they need. Remember, it is OK not to feel OK. Recovery is not easy, I can tell you that. I slipped back into depression 2 weeks ago while planning for this campaign. But it is okay. As long as you take some time off from everything else and focus on yourself. I know talking is easy, trust me. I have been there and done that. I have chased so many people away when depression creeps in. After some time you will know what works and what’s not. If you need help, I am always an email away.