Black & White 5.0

By To Write Love on Her ArmsMay 2, 2022

Over the last few years, as a way to recognize May being Mental Health Month within the United States, we’ve created statements that we feel are non-negotiable or Black and White. And while the world today looks very different than it did back when we began this campaign in 2018, we’ve seen the power that arises when stories are shared and hope shows just how indestructible it truly is.

So in honor of 2022 marking the fifth year of this campaign, we wanted to revisit some of our favorite statements.

Hope Is Defiant

Globally, we endured a pandemic that most of us never anticipated. We learned to adjust our idea of normalcy, shift plans, and become comfortable with being uncomfortable. And despite all that has happened since 2018, hope has remained. It has, at times, felt loud in its refusal to move and, in other moments, has served as a flicker of light in the deep darkness. But through it all, we’ve seen just how powerful holding hope can be. Hope speaks every language, it believes fully in tomorrow and knows at its core that better things are coming, that they are around the corner and all we need to do is hold on.

Finding and Creating Hope

  • Connect with others’ mental health stories. Read them on the TWLOHA Blog; listen to them on the TWLOHA Podcast; download The Hopeful app to carry them with you and bookmark your favorites.
  • Share your own story. Whether you write it down for yourself, share it with a trusted friend, or post it on social media, telling your story can help you and others hold on to hope.

It’s Okay To Ask For Help

This was true in 2019. And it’s true today. In fact, it’s always been true. Hope in its defiance can oftentimes provide us with the strength to keep going, but that does not mean we have to endure anything alone. Pain and hardship can often lead to isolation and we know that people need other people. We want you to remember that you deserve to ask those around you for support no matter what you may be feeling. There is strength in letting people in, not weakness. And it’s with this strength that we can find the resiliency to continue living.

Accessing the Help You Need and Deserve

  • Find the right self-care tools for you. We have a few ideas to get you started on our Self-Care page, including using The Hopeful app to track your mood and journal.
  • Search for help. Our FIND HELP Tool supports you in locating free and reduced-cost mental health services accessible in your area, as well as virtually.

We Need You Here

And when we say “you” we mean you in this exact moment. Even if that looks like you crying on the floor. You, exactly as you are, are worthy of love, support, and hope. So yes, we need you, not some future “perfect” version or some idealized image. But the person who exists right now—because that person is already enough. Please hear us when we say these words once again: When you feel convinced that you are not wanted or too broken to be cared for, know that you are not only welcome here, but you are needed.

Make a Plan to Stay and Continue Your Story

  • Create or update your Self-Care + Safety Plan. You can use this template to collect names + contact information for people to reach out to in tough moments.
  • Name the things that help you keep going. For us, those things look like sunsets, warm drinks, the mountains, laughing with loved ones, the pitter-patter of a pet’s paws, snowglobes, the first scoop of ice cream in summer, and that perfect road trip playlist.

And as the month of May continues, be on the lookout for new content and conversations across Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and TikTok! We couldn’t do this work without you and we are so glad you’re here.

With Hope,
TWLOHA

Image of all three shirts that are part of the Black & White 5.0 Collection.

Shop the Black & White Collection in the Online Store.

Leave a Reply

Comments (11)

  1. Tabby

    Wow this is great

    Reply  |  
  2. Rick

    Love y’all

    Reply  |  
  3. Riley

    I agree and i think this is a very powerful message to get out there.

    Reply  |  
  4. Sabrina H.

    “When you feel convinced that you are not wanted or too broken to be cared for, know that you are not only welcome here, but you are needed.”
    I could feel my heart fill while reading those words and I am completely overwhelmed with emotion. A part of me doesn’t believe you, but everything in me wants to. That’s hope. Also, I love that this is signed, “With Hope,” and not “love”. You guys have continued to save my life with just your words for the last 12 years, and someday, I will share my story with you!

    Reply  |  
    1. TWLOHA

      Hi Sabrina,

      We are so grateful for your kind words and presence in our community. Supporters like you have always been why we started and continue to do this work! You are always welcome to email [email protected] if you want a space to share.

      With Hope,
      TWLOHA

      Reply  |  
  5. Sherri Jamerson

    Very interested in this organization. Saw your logo on a Pic-Collage app celebrating Mental Health Awareness Month. Is it permissible to screenshot some of the article above, make a collage and post it on Facebook or another website? I will give the link as well I but liked something and I know people will read it and then click the link for more information. Thank you.
    (Sorry, no time to proofread this)

    Reply  |  
    1. TWLOHA

      Sherri,

      Thank you so much for reaching out. You are always more than welcome to share our content on your personal social media accounts. Please tag us so we can see your post and give it some love! As for sharing on other websites, please email [email protected] with what you want to share and what website you plan to share it on. We look forward to hearing from you!

      With Hope,
      TWLOHA

      Reply  |  
  6. Andreia Pereira

    Podem falar comigo?

    Reply  |  
    1. TWLOHA

      Oi amiga,

      você poderia entrar em contato com nossa equipe em [email protected] para que possamos nos conectar com você lá? Faremos o possível para oferecer apoio e encorajamento.

      Com Hope,
      TWLOHA

      Reply  |  
  7. Deborah England

    I wrote something about my niece a minute ago. I forgot to leave my name my niece killed herself at 20 she had top surgery and after she never had a date. She went to conclusion and in Abilene Texas the buckle of the Bible belt. There are no place for people to
    go here. There may have one now be no sure.

    Reply  |  
    1. TWLOHA

      Deborah,

      We are heartbroken that your niece endured so much pain, and most likely wasn’t met with the acceptance and unconditional love that they deserved and desired. Thank you for finding the energy to share a bit of your niece’s story. You can always email us at [email protected] for a safe space to share or help finding mental health support.

      With Hope,
      TWLOHA

      Reply  |  
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