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Sometimes the darkest moments can lead to the brightest transformations, and for Chad, it was the healing power of psychedelics that saved his life.
Chad McLean founded Mental Joe after personally being impacted by childhood and military traumas that resulted in self-doubt, depression, anxiety, and a host of other "diagnoses." After a suicide attempt in 2020, he found his way to Ketamine treatments and his life has forever changed for the better. Chad had a vision during a ketamine treatment where he would launch an apparel company to raise awareness and erase the stigma of mental health and the healing abilities of psychedelics. The mission of Mental Joe is to spark conversations, inspire hope, and provide funds to those in need.
Chad grew up in a single parent home after his mom left his alcoholic and abusive father. Immediately after high school, he enlisted in the Army as an 11Bravo. During basic training, Chad was awarded an Airborne slot and during Airborne School he connected with the 75th Ranger Regiment Liaison and graduated RIP (Ranger Indoctrination Program). Chad was stationed at 2nd Ranger Battalion out of Fort Lewis, WA.
During a Battalion night jump into Fairchild Air Force Base (Spokane, WA.) Chad burnt in and it left him with excruciating back pain, and that was the beginning of the end. He ended up getting addicted to pain pills and when you mix that with alcohol and unresolved traumas, you get yourself into trouble.
Chad spent the next 20+ years battling depression, anxiety, and a host of other mental health “diagnosis.” After years trying different prescription medications and traditional talk therapy, he felt those just didn’t help. Eventually, Chad met Cari, his now wife of 7 years, who started exploring additional options, but it wasn’t until a suicide attempt that they found out about IV Ketamine.
Two weeks after Chad’s inpatient stint, he started Ketamine and the constant battles in his head started to slow down, he began to think clearer, and began to look at things differently. He credits ketamine to literally saving his life and saving his family so his boys didn’t have to grow up in a broken home.
During one of Chad’s ketamine sessions, he had a vision of using apparel to raise awareness and funds and in that moment, the mission of Mental Joe was born. Chad has now dedicated his life to raising awareness of psychedelics as life changing medicines. At Mental Joe, we use apparel for a variety of reasons:
To start conversations: Our designs are fun and yet thought provoking and are used to stop the stigma of mental health and psychedelics.
To raise funding: A portion of all proceeds will go back to other foundations that are doing psychedelic retreats and Ketamine Clinics for free for Veterans and First Responders.
To be a resource of information: Mental Joe wants to provide resources and information to those that are curious and to those that are ready to change.
Chad's personal journey of overcoming childhood and military traumas, battling mental health challenges, and finding solace through ketamine treatments exemplifies the transformative power of perseverance and alternative treatments. By sharing his story and experiences, he hopes to let others know that they are not alone and that there is hope for healing and transformation.
Visit the Mental Joe website now at www.mentaljoe.com to explore our conversation sparking designs and high-quality American made apparel that sends a powerful message of support. Join us in raising awareness and funds for mental health, one piece of apparel at a time. Shop now, Defy the Stigma, and be part of the change.
If you prefer to make a direct impact, please consider making a tax-deductible donation as Mental Joe is a registered 501c3 non-profit.
Head to our website and follow us on social media for resources, information, and to visit our store to get involved and to be part of the change and the Mental Joe community!
Mental Joe
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