Today is a day when people are celebrating TWLOHA which is a rather funny looking acronym for the real name of the movement: To Write Love On Her Arms. It’s dedicated to helping those who struggle with depression, addiction, self-injury and suicide. People who struggle with that need to know so many things not the least of which is that there is HOPE and that they are LOVED. In my career there have been multiples times when I’ve been involved with students who are in need of just that thing. Depression knows no boundaries, but I do see how often it manifests itself as a drug problem or some sort of self harm. Kids will turn to those they trust. Hell, we all do that.
Depression is a bitch. For my friends and family who suffer from it I know only their experiences as an outsider. I’ve never had an addiction or tried to harm myself. The thinking behind these actions are beyond my realm of understanding, but it makes it no less incredibly important in my life. When they suffer, I suffer. It is responsible for broken friendships, marriages, and hurting families that have all touched me somehow.
If you know someone who is hurting, please get them help. Love them through it. That’s all they’d want anyway.
This picture is taken from my friend Whitney who has resurfaced in my life at the best possible time – when we both needed each other. I dedicate this entire post to her.
November 13, 2009 @ 4:11 pm | Filed under Flawed But Authentic, Freaky Friends, Inspiration, Lessons I'm Learning, NaBloPoMo | Permalink | Comments (5)
Redneck Mommy Said,
November 13, 2009 @ 4:17 pm
Friendship is a miraculous beautiful thing.
Whitney is a lucky lady to have you as her friend.
As am I.
xo
uberVU - social comments Said,
November 13, 2009 @ 6:30 pm
Social comments and analytics for this post…
This post was mentioned on Twitter by mochamomma: For my friend, Whitney, who wrote LOVE on her arms today: http://bit.ly/1×54yz…
Kathy G Said,
November 13, 2009 @ 7:02 pm
Thanks for the explanation. My niece posted a picture of her arm (with no explanation) on Facebook, and I had no clue what it was about..
Lori E Said,
November 14, 2009 @ 7:25 am
Depression touches every family whether they know it or not. EVERY FAMILY.
Laura Said,
November 14, 2009 @ 7:14 pm
I wrote on an arm today. This 19 yr old knows I am here for him. We’ve been though the all night drive to the college to get to him & then the early morning stay at the ER and then through countless sessions with a therapist. He has opened up we have listened and slowly he is feeling better and learning that family = love and acceptance no matter who or what you are. Lori is right it touches EVERY FAMILY.