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