Quote:
Originally Posted by Mister Bent
Depression, as the commercial says, affects everyone.
It's affected me.
Maybe it's affected you.
It's affected someone you love.
Depression affects us all, and yet it is still stigmatized.
Because depression affects us all, it affects us here, which made me start to wonder how we can support each other in an online forum, especially with the sword of stigma hanging over our heads.
Yesterday was To Write Love on Her Arms Day.
To Write Love on Her Arms is a non-profit movement dedicated to presenting hope and finding help for people struggling with depression,
addiction, self-injury and suicide. TWLOHA exists to encourage, inform, inspire and also to invest directly into treatment and recovery.
More info at the TWLOHA site; it's a beautiful story.
It got me thinking - What about a BFP To Write Love on Her Arms Day? In addition to support for those with depression, addiction or who self-harm, it can be seen as a sort of coming out - "we're here, we're down, but don't throw us out!" ( Ok, there are better battle cries out there, I admit.)
So, I don't know what's next - set a day? Start writing love on her arm (or his, for that matter) and post the photos?
How can our community contribute and offer support? In my mind, this isn't a one time thing, but an effort of on-going support within our community.
Thoughts?
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Thank you for the courage you have for presenting a very sensitive topic for discussion and consideration, Mr. Bent.
"Depression" has been a part of my family history and at times, I know I have experienced levels of depression over my life. I have often wondered about the correlation between genetics and physiology of the human body we are born, gifted with and what seems to be interconnected with our individual identity. Varying levels of depression run on both sides of my family and uncles, aunts, and even my eldest son have either successfully taken their own lives or lived to face their challenges with as much dignity as possible.
I think that if healing can come by practicing TWHLOA - writing loving text upon the body - improves how one feels about oneself, then I wholeheartedy want to support this endeavor!
Again, thanks so much for the opportunity to come alongside with others and help to foster wellness, hope, peace and to express loving kindness for people in an integrative approach!
~ALK