Spring Break
Spread the love
Lauren Collins
Issue date: 11/18/08 Section: Opinion
Last week, I stumbled onto information about a non-profit movement called "To Write Love on Her Arms." The purpose of the organization is to reach out to people suffering from depression, addiction, self-injury and suicide by reinforcing the concept of love. Nov. 13 was proposed as a day for people to write "love" on other's arms --reminding everyone around that they are loved.
Facebook provided over 900 pictures of people contributing to the cause. The pictures included happy students with "love" written in different fonts, languages and scripture-and sadder ones of people covered in fresh cut wounds or bruises on their arms.
The people behind "To Write Love on Her Arms" believe that everyone was created to love and be loved, but often times they are so wrapped up in their lives that they forget that people around the world are suffering.
Someone, somewhere, has inevitably been in the same sticky place that you find yourself in from time to time, but it's often difficult to believe that things will pick up and get better. Walking around campus, you probably pass at least five people who are completely miserable and in pain-either self-inflicted or caused by others. The National Center for Health Statistics confirms that 594,000 people visited emergency departments for self-inflicted injury in 2006. In 2005, there were 32,637 suicides through methods of firearm, suffocation and poisoning.
Those statistics for depression and suicide attempts are overwhelming. It's time consuming to dedicate yourself to a cause, but it seems that a simple smile or hello can help hurting people feel acknowledged, and that may be all it takes. The Mental Health America Web site states that eight out of 10 suicidal persons give some sign of their intentions, so take action if given the chance to help.
It's often impossible to avoid stress and tension during the holidays, which are just around the corner. Travel expenses, being unable to travel to see family, financial constraints, shopping demands and overwhelming social events can lead to the "holiday blues." Don't let yourself become caught up in the refrain of "woe is me"--instead, take a few minutes to consider the people around you, and the deeper issues that they may be dealing with. It can be frustrating not to have the opportunity to vent about things that feel like major issues. Sharing optimistic thoughts and ideas creates a warm image of yourself and a welcoming presence for others.
"To Write Love on Her Arms" is currently running an East Coast tour, discussing issues about pain, hope and the community. They visited UNC-Charlotte on Nov. 10, and several other colleges along the east coast. National Survivors of Suicide Day is celebrated Nov. 22.
There is no glamour to the movement, but, with depression the leading cause of suicide, affecting 19 million people in America annually, it is certainly not an issue to be overlooked. Instead of pushing people away and criticizing one another for our differences, let's all try to embrace each other and learn to be more accepting of the things that make us different. Spread the love.
This writer can be contacted at opinion@theeastcarolinian.com.
Facebook provided over 900 pictures of people contributing to the cause. The pictures included happy students with "love" written in different fonts, languages and scripture-and sadder ones of people covered in fresh cut wounds or bruises on their arms.
The people behind "To Write Love on Her Arms" believe that everyone was created to love and be loved, but often times they are so wrapped up in their lives that they forget that people around the world are suffering.
Someone, somewhere, has inevitably been in the same sticky place that you find yourself in from time to time, but it's often difficult to believe that things will pick up and get better. Walking around campus, you probably pass at least five people who are completely miserable and in pain-either self-inflicted or caused by others. The National Center for Health Statistics confirms that 594,000 people visited emergency departments for self-inflicted injury in 2006. In 2005, there were 32,637 suicides through methods of firearm, suffocation and poisoning.
Those statistics for depression and suicide attempts are overwhelming. It's time consuming to dedicate yourself to a cause, but it seems that a simple smile or hello can help hurting people feel acknowledged, and that may be all it takes. The Mental Health America Web site states that eight out of 10 suicidal persons give some sign of their intentions, so take action if given the chance to help.
It's often impossible to avoid stress and tension during the holidays, which are just around the corner. Travel expenses, being unable to travel to see family, financial constraints, shopping demands and overwhelming social events can lead to the "holiday blues." Don't let yourself become caught up in the refrain of "woe is me"--instead, take a few minutes to consider the people around you, and the deeper issues that they may be dealing with. It can be frustrating not to have the opportunity to vent about things that feel like major issues. Sharing optimistic thoughts and ideas creates a warm image of yourself and a welcoming presence for others.
"To Write Love on Her Arms" is currently running an East Coast tour, discussing issues about pain, hope and the community. They visited UNC-Charlotte on Nov. 10, and several other colleges along the east coast. National Survivors of Suicide Day is celebrated Nov. 22.
There is no glamour to the movement, but, with depression the leading cause of suicide, affecting 19 million people in America annually, it is certainly not an issue to be overlooked. Instead of pushing people away and criticizing one another for our differences, let's all try to embrace each other and learn to be more accepting of the things that make us different. Spread the love.
This writer can be contacted at opinion@theeastcarolinian.com.
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