Wednesday, February 10, 2010

If you don't read anything else today...

This Friday and Saturday - February 12/13 - you might see more young people than usual with writing on their arms. (Moms of teens, you know what I'm talkin' about!) But this week it's different - because this week there's an actual reason for it - and it's pretty awesome

These two days are To Write Love on Her Arms Days 

What's that, you ask?

Here's some quick numbers to give you a hint:

-121 million people worldwide suffer from depression. (The World Health Organization)
-18 million of these cases are happening in the United States. (The National Institute of Mental Health)
-Between 20% and 50% of children and teens struggling with depression have a family history of this struggle and the offspring of depressed parents are more than three times as likely to suffer from depression. (U.S. Surgeon General's Survey, 1999)
 -Depression often co-occurs with anxiety disorders and substance abuse, with 30 percent of teens with depression also developing a substance abuse problem.   (NIMH)
 -2/3 of those suffering from depression never seek treatment.

Untreated depression is the number one cause of suicide. (NIMH)
 
To Write Love on Her Arms is a non-profit movement dedicated to presenting hope and finding help for people struggling with depression, addiction, self-injury and suicide. TWLOHA exists to encourage, inform, inspire and also to invest directly into treatment and recovery.

To Write Love On Her Arms Day is a day where we can all write the word LOVE on our arms - to show support for those who are fighting against depression and those who are trying to recover.

On this day, just write love on your arms - make it funky, crazy, cool, plain, plaid...(hey, some of you are creative!) - just show it off!


Other people will ask why, and you have the opportunity to tell them you are supporting those with struggling with depression, addiction, self-injury and suicide.

You speak up, for those who sometimes can't find their voice.

You don't remain silent.


Because in some cases, silence kills.

♥ Make love the movement ♥

1 comments:

Mrs. Moon said...

That is so cool. I know a lot of teens suffer from depression. that is a wonderful way for them to say they love their selves and others.