TWLOHA: Hope and Help for Depression, Suicide, Self Injury

By frankdanna | November 18, 2009 at 3:45 pm

One of the most iconic logos of our time has nothing to do with fast food restaurants, computer companies or slightly over-priced coffee shops. Who knew that a simple sentence printed on a few T-shirts could have such a profound effect on those who recognize it? To Write Love on Her Arms is a non-profit organization that is uniquely upbeat and has our culture in its cross-hairs. TWLOHA is aimed at presenting hope and finding help for those struggling with depression, drug addiction, self injury and suicide.

They built their following on the backs of popular bands like Anberlin and Switchfoot, who were quick to start marketing TWLOHA by wearing their T-shirts during shows, quickly building up interest from fans to discover what “To Write Love On Her Arms” meant. From their artist-generated foundation, they continued to grow on popular social network sites like MySpace and Facebook. What I find so appealing about this organization is that they’ve used social networks as a tool to hear and respond to young people around the world, using it as a way to connect to far more people than they ever thought possible.

Jamie Tworkowski, the founder of TWLOHA, was inspired by a 19-year-old named Renee Yohe, who struggled with addiction, depression and self injury. He wrote a story about Renee, and I highly suggest you read it to get a better gist of what this whole thing is all about.

We all know someone who’s battling suicidal thoughts or self injury. Heck, if you were honest with yourself, you probably have too at one point in time. This organization brings this specific battle to the forefront of millions of people, offering hope, help and redemption through their innovative and iconic slogan “To Write Love on Her Arms.”