Feb 13th is Love is the Movement Day!
Tomorrow, I will be writing the word LOVE on my arm to help
spread awareness about depression and self-harm in young women.
So many women I have known in my life have suffered so much, and
used self-harm as a coping mechanism. I want people to better
understand what these women have experienced, and to show them
support and love by writing LOVE on my arm. Self-harm is often
glamorized or glossed over in the media today. In my opinion,
Eating Disorders are another form of self-harm as a coping
mechanism. I don't want to be part of the problem of ignoring
women's suffering. Every woman deserves love and support, and
to not have to feel so alone.
You are important, and you are loved.
LOVE IS THE MOVEMENT
During the time of year that suicide rates are at their highest,
we chose February 13, the day before Valentine's Day, as our
opportunity to start showing people how much they are loved.
We will physically write the word LOVE on our arms (with a sharpie,
or whatever other ink suits you best). If someone asks you what it’s
for, tell them about TWLOHA. Tell them they are loved, that they are
important. And ask if you can write LOVE on their arm as a symbol of
that. Don't be afraid to reach out to those who need love, those who
you often walk right by every day. They need our care.
There is NO set time, there is NO set location. Where you are,
when you are there, speak out.
Stop the bleeding. Rescue is possible.
The truth is that according to the World Health Organization,
depression is one of the leading causes of disability, with
approximately 121 million people suffering with depression
worldwide. The National Institute of Mental Health states that
approximately 18 million people suffer from depression in America
alone. Depression does not discriminate across age, race, gender,
or class. Among teenagers it is estimated that 20 percent will suffer
from depression at some point by the time they reach adulthood. There
are also as many as 8.3 percent of teens suffering from depression for
at least a year at a time, compared to 5.3 percent of the general
population.
Insprired by the work of TWLOHA (To Write Love On Her Arms),
an organization created to spread awareness for teen depression,
self-injury, and suicide, we are coming together to make sure the
whole world knows. We are not directly affiliated with TWOLHA, but
are in great support of their work To find out more about TWLOHA
visit their Facebook Group here:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/To-Write-Love-On-Her-Arms/8529136956
More info on self-injury: http://www.twloha.com/facts.php
Referrals, information, support: http://www.selfinjury.com/index.html
