To Write Love on Her Arms

I think it’s safe to say that we’ve all had bad days.  For me, they seem to encompass me wholly and ruin what could be a perfectly good day.  Sometimes it’s stress from school, work, friends, family; sometimes it’s just something inside of me that makes me want to just yell at the whole world.  Luckily, for most of us here at STA, the bad feelings come and then quickly go.  However, for so many teenagers around the country (and around the world!), the feelings never cease… leading to major depression and ultimately, suicide.

Untreated depression is the number one cause of suicide, and suicide is the third leading cause of death among teenagers.

I’m no expert and I couldn’t tell you why depression occurs or what ignites it, but I do know that it’s an awful disease to live with.  But what can I do to help?  I think the most important thing may be just acknowledging the fact that everyone’s life isn’t perfect and helping them to realize they’ve got options.  When I feel depressed, all I want is someone to just comfort me and remind me that things are going to be okay.

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that each year approximately one million people die from suicide, which represents a global mortality rate of 16 people per 100,000 or one death every 40 seconds. It is predicted that by 2020 the rate of death will increase to one every 20 seconds.

If you’ve seen the “To Write Love on Her Arms” events on Facebook, I highly recommend “attending” it!  Basically, it’s just a day where the organization tries to get as many people as possible to write “love” on their arms as a visual reminder that help is available and to offer hope to anyone who’s having a hard time.  Check out the website here: it’s pretty awesome with a great message.  They’ve got a ton of apparel and just by wearing it, you’re a walking advertisement.

A few ways to help:

1. buy the merchandise!  My personal favorite:
2. attend the national TWLOHA days and actually write “love” on your arm
3. join the “street team” and help spread the word
4. donate
5. Want more? Click here for TWLOHA’s complete list of ways to support the cause

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