Just wanted to post something on To Write Love On Her Arms (TWLOHA for short). For those that don't know about this project, its a non profit organization in America which aims to present hope and find help for young people struggling with problems such as depression, drug addiction, self-injury, and suicide. The project began in Orlando, Florida in February 2006 as a written story by Jamie Tworkowski, the true story of five days spent with a friend who was denied entry into a drug treatment center. The story was a look at those five days, and t-shirts were printed and sold initially as a way to pay for the friend's treatment.

"People need to know that they are not alone. It’s estimated that 2 out of 3 people that deal with depression walk through it alone and they don’t get help. It points to confusion, the shame and the stigma that’s associated with these things. It’s estimated that 19 million people in America alone struggle with depression. That just screams that people are alone and yet they feel alone because these are things people don’t talk about." Took this out from the interview on the founder of TWLOHA.

Was just thinking about what she said and its true that most people face depression alone because when we're depressed, we tend to think we're alone even though we may not be. And just because this issue can be related to everyone (or practically so), it just makes the matter so close to the heart. TWLOHA, by bringing out the effects if treatment or facing depression isn't properly handled, just shows us the pressing need for us to do something, anything on the matter. After reading the interview, you realise its not just statistics on a piece of paper, its real and its happening, and it will continue happening if we don't help. I don't know how much any of y'all can associate yourselves to it but I think its a cause really worth spreading.

I don't think all the concerts or buying shirts is actually the main issue, but instead on what you are doing. Just consider perhaps whether you have dissed someone off as "emo" before moving on with your life. Is there any person that's there who needs your help that you're ignoring? I think alot of us tend to view things on the surface, see the effects yet ignore the cause. Perhaps that's the way we're brought up to believe that problems come to us and we deal with it or die. But its not true, because there'll always be someone out there who's willing to listen. That someone's there, just waiting for you to let him/her in.

And for those who're wondering about the above picture: During the time of the year when suicide rates are at their peak, 13th of Feb's the official TWOLHA date, the day before V Day, to start showing people how much they are loved. The beauty in the event's that there's no set time or location. Just you, where you are and when you're there to speak what you truly believe in.

Took this from the website: "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."



Another photo I saw that just hit me really hard. You can go to the Facebook Event to see the photos and be amazed at the amount of people supporting the cause. I guess 13th Feb's over this year but even if this movement simmers down through the years, the issue'll still remain. And so will the need to write love on your/her arms.

I think most of us may choose to share the love of God, but sharing whatever love is strongest to you is what matters. Boils down to the simple fact that depression has no boundaries, but neither does our love.



There's really alot more amazing stuff including the videos and more detailed info on the My Space and Facebook site for TWLOHA so if you have the time please do go there and read about it. Love is the movement, so help stop the bleeding.

Labels: Causes, Thoughts