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:
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.
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