By Teddy Sourlis, CEO and Founder of MEN’S X MENTAL, INC.
My name is Teddy Sourlis, & I am the proud CEO & Founder of MEN’S X MENTAL, INC. This non-profit began as a class project during my sophomore year at Babson College in the Spring of 2020. The assignMENt was to “identify a problem in today’s society & create a business idea or social media account to find a solution.” With my classmates, we identified the pressing issue of men’s MENtal health. Our initial solution was simple: sell clothing & donate the profits to MENtal health organizations nationwide.
When the COVID-19 pandemic cut our in-person classes short, these social media accounts were supposed to be shut down. However, while in quarantine, I decided to take this idea further, aiming to make a real difference. As an athlete, I had always been told to “suck it up” or “man up.” While these messages encourage resilience on the court, they don’t address the importance of MENtal well-being of these athletes off the court.
The pandemic led to a surge in MENtal health issues globally, with 77% of men experiencing increased stress. The NCAA’s cancellation & shortening of athletic seasons introduced unprecedented adversity for athletes, heightening stress, anxiety, & depression. Athletes were stripped of their athletic identities & forced to look inward, grappling with their new realities. I faced some anxiety & depression throughout college after undergoing back-to-back hip surgeries just a year after winning consecutive state championships in high school. From my highest moMENts to my lowest, I felt isolated until I bravely reached out for help. I learned it’s okay to be vulnerable & not okay. My goal with MEN’S X MENTAL is to ensure no one ever feels alone. Whether I help one person or thousands, knowing we’ve made a difference helps me sleep well at night. We need to normalize these conversations in our communities & locker rooms. Our struggles aren’t weaknesses; they reflect our strengths.
MEN’S X MENTAL strives to break down barriers & stigmas around male athletes’ MENtal health. Men are often told to “MAN UP” or hide their pain, leading to suppressed emotions & fear of seeking help. At MEN’S X MENTAL, we cultivate an inclusive environMENt where MEN can courageously share their stories through our “You’re Not Alone” digital platforms or the upcoming “MENtalk Podcast” Series. We aim to be a youthful trailblazer in the undervalued & underrepresented MENtal health industry for male athletes as our marketing campaigns have resonated with nearly 40k followers across our platforms, reaching or interacting with over 35+ million people in the last 18 months.
As a 501(c)(3) non-profit, MEN’S X MENTAL focuses on four pillars: awareness, advocacy, education, & community. Our products, such as the “MENtally Strong Sweatshirt,” spread this message in a way athletes fully understand. Our merchandise is designed not only for comfort & style but also to serve as conversation starters. Each piece, from our hoodies & t-shirts to our hats & accessories, carries our message of hope, resilience, & strength. The proceeds from sales go directly towards supporting our MENtal health initiatives, educational research projects, events, & awareness efforts, making every purchase a step towards breaking the stigma(s) & providing support for those in need.
In a divided world, our community is united by MXM’s mantra: 1TEAM. 1COMMUNITY. 1MISSION. 1LOVE. We continuously create safe spaces within our platforms (@mensxMENtal), starting with our MXM #MENtalHealthMoveMENt, a roster of athletes worldwide. Our community is built on 1Love, regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, sexuality, athletic ability, financial status, or background. We strive for 1GOAL on & off the field, ensuring all survivors are seen, heard, & recognized in their battles, never facing them alone. BE STRONG, STAY STRONG, & KEEP GOING.
1LOVE.
