Depression is a common mental disorder affecting about 121 million people worldwide, according to the World Health Organization. It is reported that at its worst, depression can lead to suicide and that fewer than 25 percent of those with depression receive any type of treatment. I recently learned of a movement that I think others should know about, To Write Love on Her Arms.
To Write Love on Her Arms is a non-profit movement that is dedicated to helping those struggling with depression, addiction, self-injury, and suicide. To Write Love on Her Arms, or TWLOHA, first began in Orlando, Fla., in Feb. 2006 after Jamie Tworkowski wrote a story about one young woman.
The story is of 19-year-old Renee, who was battling an addiction to cocaine, pills, pot and alcohol and who had previously refused entering rehab. The TWLOHA movement started when Jaime Tworkowski met Renee, and they bonded over their mutual love of the movie ‘Walk The Line.’
Renee mentioned how she needed the movie and needed to see Johnny Cash battles his addictions. Jaime’s inspiration to write Renee’s story began soon after they meet. Jaime writes how he found Renee locked in a bathroom with the blade, while in a rehabilitation center. Found on her left forearm were the words ‘F–K UP.’
After this discovery, Renee was let out of the treatment center and left at the care of friends. Renee spent the next five days going to see different concerts with her friends and they soon become each others family. Renee entered a new treatment center, paid for by donations through the TWLOHA movement.
The story written about Renee is a moving, inspirational story about finding hope in a discouraging situation. His words beautifully describe the life of a broken girl who closely faces death on a daily basis. This story says so much in just a few paragraphs and every word is perfectly written.
As you can probably tell by now, this column is not reviewing a new artist or a CD, but at its core this column still involves music. Renee’s story shows the healing power of music and the hope it can bring. The ability that music has to bring strangers together, even for a brief moment, to hope for brighter days and know they are not alone is why I fell in love with music and with this story.
The story of a young woman who two years later has managed to remain sober and who continues to fight her demons, I feel is one anyone can relate to. The days before her entrance into rehab, Renee develops strong bonds with new people and surrounds herself with music as her treatment. Music and her new family are her medicine, they help her hoping for something more. Although Jaime intended to help Renee he ended learning something from her and has, in my opinion, has done justice to her story.
Anyone can join the movement by simply telling Renee’s story, or sharing their own story. Many supporters of this movement are in bands and artists. Some supporters include Paramore, Underoath, Meg and Dia, The Almost, and Switchfoot.
To read the whole story about Renee, and found out where she is now, go to twloha.com.
