“Life it Ain’t Easy, But it’s Worth it” is a site where young adults can express their stories and experiences of their suicide attempts while also creating a community to “spread the love” through shirts, blog posts, and survival stories.
Depression and suicidal thoughts can affect anyone, even people that seem perfectly happy and put together. Understanding the issue is not the problem, it is taking the extra step in realizing how serious the issue can be. Kelly Harding, a sophomore at the University of Oregon, has worked diligently to create a site that can provide a space for young adults who are struggling, or know someone struggling, that makes them feel less alone. Her main focus is to empower people and let them know that you are worth it; life is worth it.
Kelly talks about how sharing her story has really helped her heal. It felt good for her to get it out in the open. She doesn’t feel as if she is hiding who she is anymore, which was something she always struggled with.
HCO: Who has helped you the most in this whole process?
My friends and family have been more than supportive throughout this whole experience. I honestly wouldn’t be where I am today, or doing what I’m doing if I didn’t have them. They have sincerely taught me why life is worth it, and I’m forever grateful for that.
HCO: When did you decide to start the website?
About 2 months after my attempt I started working on my idea. I’d come home from work, whip out my sharpies, and draw out what I wanted. It took a lot of trial and error to figure out how to build a website. It makes me laugh to think about how many times I wanted to chuck my computer because I couldn’t figure something out, or how many times I consulted Google for answers. It took me another 2 months to finally finish the site and I launched it in early September. Since then I’ve added a blog element for people who aren’t necessary struggling with depression, but are affected by it to share their story.
HCO: Tell me about the shirts that you’re selling?
The shirts I sell on the site are to spread the love. I wanted to create shirts that people would wear on a daily basis no matter their history with depression. They are supposed to further the community I want to build between young adults struggling with depression and young adults who aren’t, creating this idea that we are all here for each other. I’m also using the shirts to show people why life is worth it. I ask everyone who buys a shirt to take a picture of them showing the world why life is worth it so that I can post it to Instagram (@lifeainteasyyy) to inspire young adults that life is worth it.
For more information on Kelly’s story and to support her cause visit www.lifeainteasybutitsworthit.com
To buy one of Kelly’s “Life Aint Easy” t-shirts and show your support please click HERE. All profits go into preventing young adult suicide.