Sunset Therapy for Mental Health
by Jesse Blackwell
To say that COVID-19 has brought about significant changes is quite an understatement. Although these changes alone would be enough to keep most of us occupied, coupled with an uncertain timeline these changes can create a scary reality. Sometimes it feels like the world is changing rapidly and there is nothing we can do about it. In some ways this may be true, but one thing that I have found myself thinking about is our ability to control how we choose to respond to a given situation. Learning about how others have been able to continue to grow and improve themselves despite the pandemic has been very helpful for me, especially when people have found very creative outlets. My hope is that continuing to share stories of this kind will help others as well.
For some people these changes have resulted in more time connecting with friends and family or picking up a new hobby, while for others it has involved building something new and meaningful. For my sister and my mom (Shayna & Betsy Blackwell) this additional time at home meant that they had the opportunity to continue to build a company. Sunset Therapy Apparel is a mom and daughter business launched in March of this year with the goal of spreading awareness and offering support for those who are personally affected or have loved ones affected by mental illness. The name Sunset Therapy was chosen to serve as a reminder that even during the darkest of times, there is still beauty in the world. On the most hectic and stressful days, setting aside a few minutes to watch the sunset, can help put everything into perspective. Taking this time to stop and watch the sunset also encourages the practice of mindfulness, which can have a significant positive impact on mental health.
In the United States alone, 1 in 5 adults will experience a mental illness at some point in their lives.1 Sunset Therapy believes that mental health and wellbeing is just as important as physical health and wants to help remind anyone who is experiencing mental illness that they are not alone. Due to the prevalence of mental illness and the significance of mental health, Sunset Therapy donates 10% of their profits to mental health organizations each year. This year, Sunset Therapy has chosen to partner with the Massachusetts Association for Mental Health (MAMH) as their mission aligns well with Sunset Therapy’s goals. MAMH’s mission is to advance mental health and wellbeing by promoting prevention, early intervention, effective treatment and research to address social, emotional, and mental health challenges.
When Sunset Therapy Apparel began in March it consisted of an Instagram page (@sunset.therapy.apparel) and an Etsy store offering a few t-shirts options and a hoodie. Since launching they have built out a website and Facebook page, added additional apparel items to include several shirt options and an assortment of hats, and expanded their marketing initiatives.
Sunset Therapy Apparel was built with the intention of helping others and in the process has also provided a healthy outlet for my family to contribute time and energy during these crazy times.
