TWLOHA Day

I readily admit that I am the world's most pathetic excuse for a blogger.  Ok now that that's out of the way...

I want to speak to you about something I am quite passionate about! Today has been branded as To Write Love on Her Arms Day.   To Write Love on Her Arms is a nonprofit movement dedicated to presenting hope and finding help for those struggling with depression, addiction, self-injury and suicide. TWLOHA exists to encourage, inform, inspire, and also to invest directly into treatment and recovery.

So write the word LOVE on your arm, to support those fighting against depression. Show it off, tell others that you are supporting TWLOHA Day, helping to stop depression, and making 'love' the movement.
 

Showing the LOVE on TWLOHA Day



There's a lot of information available about TWLOHA here on their site.  They are also on Facebook, twitter, MySpace, YouTube and just about anywhere else you'd want to find them :-)  

Here's a little snippet from their site...  

We’ve learned that two out of three people who struggle with depression never seek help, and that untreated depression is the leading cause of suicide. In America alone, it’s estimated that 19 million people live with depression, and suicide is the third-leading cause of death among those 18-24 years old.


The good news is that depression is very treatable, that a very real hope exists in the face of these issues. We’ve met people who are getting the help they need, sitting across from a counselor for the first time, stepping into treatment, or reaching out to a suicide hotline in a desperate moment.

Take a minute today to read about TWLOHA because every life matters and everyone deserves to know they are LOVED!!!

Pick Up The Phone Tour in Philadelphia, April 2010

Spreading the word about the Pick Up The Phone Tour

Blue October has rescheduled their Pick Up The Phone Tour. I've got my ticket to see them in Philadelphia, one year after seeing them in the exact same place! Really can not wait!! Anybody else planning to see them??

Blue Love

So I probably talk a little too much about Blue October on here, but since this is my blog, I LUV BO, and I used one of their songs to title my blog....I guess it's OK.

But today I'm thinking about Blu & especially Justin a little differently. I talked recently about how they were going to be testifying/speaking to a Congressional SubCommittee about Mental Health Issues & Suicide Prevention. This is something they are quite passionate about, especially Justin who makes no secret of the battle he has fought and continues to fight every day. Word came on Tuesday night that due to a medical emergency Justin would not be there, I believe that none of BO was. So now I am left to worry..... like a Mother about a child, (only I don't look at Justin like my child LOL believe me) It must be something serious for them to have had to pull out. My thoughts & prayers are with them and they are in my heart. Hopefully we will hear something soon.

I leave you with this video of a live performance many years ago. For those who don't 'get it' or maybe just never really thought about it. Watch this and listen to him, I mean really listen. Maybe you or I have never felt quite this low, but maybe we can help others who have.

I continue to be blown away by his honesty and willingness to share this with others. And one last thing, here's a really recent video of Justin (& Matt) talking about the Pick Up The Phone Tour.

Blue October Takes On A Cause

Another justification for my Blue October love.....

Their latest round of appearances is being dubbed the "Pick Up The Phone Tour". It's a "music tour committed to reducing the stigma associated with mental health as well as making the access to help and hope for all safe and without fear." (Indiestar.tv) This tour marks the first time a tour has been solely devoted to suicide prevention.

Blue's lead singer and songwriter Justin Furstenfeld has made no secret about his own battles with depression and his struggles with his own mental health. He has been able to turn his emotions into music, amazing music, and has spoken on more than one occasion about trying to help others learn to channel theirs into other directions, art, music, writing, etc.

I admire him very much for having the courage to put his own battles out there for the world to see, and at the same time providing a glimmer of hope for those who haven't found their own outlet yet.

So, if the Pick Up The Phone Tour comes your way, go check it out. Not only will you see an AMAZING show, but you'll be helping to raise funds & awareness for suicide prevention!