To Write Love on Her Arms is a non-profit movement intended to destigmatize and provide resources and a community for those around the globe who struggle with mental illness. *I am not a representative of the organization, just a supporter!*
The organization started with the story of founder Jamie Tworkowski’s friend Renee and her struggle with depression, addiction, and self-harm. He told her story and was selling t-shirts to raise money for the treatment she needed. The story reached more people than could have ever been imagined and kickstarted something that became so beautiful and serves as a lighthouse for many individuals. Renee’s story showcased the reality of such struggles. The outreach only proved how many people deal with the same problems often behind closed doors. One account helped build a community where people felt valid, seen, and understood.
To Write Love on Her Arms (TWLOHA) is an organization that encourages people to seek help by providing more easily accessible resources with their Find Help Tool. On their website, they note, “For every 4 searches, someone will take the next step to sit with a counselor or call a crisis hotline.” They’ve so far donated $2.4 million towards treatment and helped fund over 100 organizations and counseling practices. Their impact is profound, and the organization has served as a consolation for those who feel their struggles are minimized or go unheard.
In the past year, we’ve been so disconnected from the world and the people around us. People need other people! This sentiment is something TWLOHA proudly stands by. During this pandemic, they even created a page filled with resources dedicated to self care. This included mindfulness practices, social media breaks, remote counseling, and the suggestion to simply stay hopeful for the future ahead. Hope is a driving force, and something so important especially right now. The many blog posts on the site provide comfort in knowing so many people are dealing with the same things you are, you are never alone! They also spread a message that people understand and empathize with you – something that is commonly forgetten. The page is dedicated to caring for yourself amidst something so exhausting, where it’s easy to neglect your own needs. For more lighthearted fun, they even provide links to virtual museum tours, webcams of zoo animals, scholastic resources for those with children, virtual tours of National Parks, etc., making it possible to stay connected to the ~outside world~ while still abiding by Covid guidelines. (You should still be abiding by Covid guidelines. Please abide by the Covid guidelines. I am begging you please abide by them.)
Mental illness is not uncommon or something to be ashamed of. TWLOHA helps people see and understand that you are not, and you have never been, alone in what you’re dealing with. The organization harvests meaningful and compassionate conversations that some people don’t get to experience one-on-one. These conversations are so important and necessary for growth. Healing is a grueling experience that millions of people worldwide are trying to figure out. We are all navigating it together. There are so many people who think your story is worth listening to and want to help. There are people who want you to win your fight and know that you are capable of healing.
TWLOHA Website: https://twloha.com
TWLOHA socials:
Instagram/Twitter: @twloha
Facebook: To Write Love On Her Arms