In the United States alone, 18 million people are suffering from depression. Thirty percent of teenagers who suffer from depression also suffer from a substance abuse problem.
Two-thirds of all people who suffer from depression do not get treatment and untreated depression often results in suicide. Suicide is the third leading cause of death for teenagers.
Approximately four percent of the population struggle with self-injury. Doing things like cutting and burning are dangerous and risky, but they are a problem that can be fixed.
That’s where the non-profit campaign, “To Write Love on Her Arms,” comes in. “To Write Love on Her Arms” was founded in 2006. It presents hope and finding help to people who are struggling with depression, self-injury, addiction, and suicide. “To Write Love on Her Arms” purpose is to support and inform people about getting treatment and recovering.
The campaign is not to be mistaken for a help line. They simply raise awareness about the trending issue and help those who are suffering to find help. When one who is suffering, in danger, or knows someone who is in danger calls or emails “To Write Love on Her Arms,” they help direct him or her to trained professionals.
To raise money, “To Write Love on Her Arms” has benefit concerts where famous artists perform. All proceeds from the tickets go to the “To Write Love on Her Arms campaign.” They have 5K walks, fashion shows, penny drives, and many schools also do fundraisers. They welcome any donation one wants to make.
Most of the money “To Write Love on Her Arms” makes is from merchandise sales. One may purchase items such as t-shirts, sweatshirts, hats, wrist bands, and bags. The have sayings such as ‘Hope is Real,’ ‘You Are Not Alone,’ and ‘To Write Love on Her Arms’ printed on them.
Not only does buying the merchandise make a big impact dollar wise, but wearing them gets the word out. When one wears something with these sayings on them, others become interested, too.
With the money they earn, “To Write Love on Her Arms” is able to provide awareness programs for high schools, universities, and churches.
I learned about this movement my freshman year from my REFs (role models encouraging freshman). The three of them had come into my freshman advisory that day with “love” written on their arms or wrists.
Intrigued by the sudden fad, I asked them what it was. They explained what the unofficial awareness day is and along with all my friends, I had “love” written my wrist for the rest of the day.
This Friday, March 30, is the unofficial “To Write Love on Her Arms” day. Although there is no official day put on by the organization, supporters have started having unofficial days throughout the year.
I would like to strongly encourage everyone to write the small, but meaningful, four-letter word on your arm or wrist this Friday. You never know who might be suffering from depression. It may be the boy you see everyday on the way to third hour, the girl who sits next to you in English, or even your best friend.
If you or someone you know is suffering from depression, addiction, self-injury, or suicidal thoughts, seek help in a trusted adult immediately.