Do What You Were Made For.

By To Write Love on Her ArmsSeptember 17, 2017

This year, our rallying cry for our World Suicide Prevention Day campaign was seemingly a simple one, just seven words and two requests:

“Stay. Find what you were made for.”

But we know things that appear simple are often anything but. We know that while it’s easy to say “stay,” it can also feel impossible to do so. We know this. We would never suggest that this is easy. We’re just here to say it’s worth it.

It’s one thing to ask you to stay, to push through your hardest days and darkest nights. We wanted to give you a second call to action. We wanted to give you a reason to get up in the morning if you were still looking for one: “Find what you were made for.”

We heard from so many of you over the past few weeks. You were made for adventure, for so much more than what you thought you were when you were suicidal, and for living a story of kindness in the midst of the chaos and darkness.

We also heard from those of you who didn’t know yet. And that’s OK. You don’t have to have all of the answers right now. If all you can do is stay, then stay.

Our campaign may be over, but the work is not. We’re still going to ask you to stay. We’re still going to ask you to find what you were made for. We’re always going to be here, pointing you to the help you might need and showing you the ways you can help others.

If you’d like to help us change the statistics, please join us.

We can’t do this without you.

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Get involved with TWLOHA.

There are a variety of ways you can support suicide prevention efforts through TWLOHA. Visit our Get Involved page to learn more. You can also check out our Events page to see if we’ll be in your area. We would love to meet you out on the road! And if you’re interested in joining us in Florida for a term as an intern, go to our Intern Program page for details on how to apply.

Send the world a love letter.

The world needs more love letters, so we want you to write some! You can even use the customized stationery we created just for the cause. Spread hope through your words and encourage yourself and others to stay.

Volunteer for Crisis Text Line.

If you want to put your time and energy behind a powerful and tangible suicide prevention effort, consider joining our friends at Crisis Text Line, which offers free, 24/7 crisis support via text message. Become a volunteer here.

Learn more about the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s programs.

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention aims to bring people together to understand and prevent suicide and to help heal the pain it causes. Their website offers different ways to cope with suicide, including a city-specific support group finder, and a way to contact their Survivor Outreach Program. In addition, this November they will be hosting events all over the world for International Survivors of Suicide Loss Day, which recognizes those who have lost a loved one to suicide.

Find free resources at SAMHSA.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration has several completely free resources available to the public. Their Suicide Prevention Lifeline wallet cards and other brochures are available to order in bulk at no cost to you. These are great to have at high schools, college campuses, conferences, and any public place where people gather.

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Along with the list above, there are even more ways to get involved in mental health awareness and suicide prevention. Reach out in your local community. Encourage others to be open and honest when it comes to talking about their struggles. Be accepting, supportive, and compassionate.

One of the most common things we hear from people who message us is how afraid they are to tell someone about their depression, suicidal thoughts, addiction, or self-injury. They live in fear that they will be rejected, that it could ruin their relationships, and that they may never see change.

We ask that you be a safe place for someone to come to with their story—and that you be proud to share your own.

Leave a Reply

Comments (4)

  1. J

    Your crisis text like website is not working.

    Reply  |  
    1. Becky Ebert

      Hi J!

      The hyperlinks seem to be working OK for us! Let us know if you’re still having trouble.

      Thanks!

      TWLOHA

      Reply  |  
  2. Amy Bognar

    I’ve been home just over a week it feels like I’ve still been on the roller-coaster up and down i go. I feel like I’m alone with my thoughts and it’s getting harder. It’s just my youngest son whos 11 and i home most of the time and i don’t want to let him down but I’m struggling with staying strong and ignoring these thoughts. Ive gone from being in a place with people who share my struggle to a place where it feels like there is nobody. Just because I’m home doesn’t mean I’m better. I see plants and grass dying and don’t have the motivation or energy to do anything about it. Getting well is so hard. Medications all have side effects it’s too easy to fall back into temptation that numbs the pain, only thing is the thoughts are still there that maybe I’m just not meant to be. This is hard for me to write as for me it feels easier to be silent and pretend I’m ok.

    Reply  |  
    1. Becky Ebert

      Amy,

      Since you wrote this, we hope you have found some peace and clarity. You deserve to give yourself grace and respect, know that. It’s OK that you are struggling. Recovery is one of the most difficult endeavors, so do not feel ashamed by your struggles. We are here with you to help and encourage you, always.

      Please email us at [email protected] so we can provide you with some encouragement and possibly know more of your story, if you would like to share. We are inspired by your efforts thus far. It is an honor to know that you wanted to be honest and candid with us.

      We also invite you to seek out professional help. Please start here at our Find Help page: twloha.com/find-help

      You can also text TWLOHA to 741741 via Crisis Text Line at any time (it’s available 24/7, 7 days a week). It is free of charge, and you will be connected with a trained counselor. These people want to help you. We want to help you in any way that we can. You do not have to go through this alone.

      With Hope,
      TWLOHA

      Reply  |  
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