To Write Love on Her Arms Day 2009

I have received many e-mails asking me about today - some in response to an e-mail I sent out to nigh on everyone in my contact list, and some in response to what I've posted on Facebook. I am glad to explain what today is all about, and why I have written "Love" on my arms.

To Write Love on Her Arms Day is simply a loosely-organized, word-of-mouth event that requires people to donate no money, no travel time, no time standing around at potentially heated and violent gatherings. There is, unfortunately, a general air of apathy within the general populace with regards to this particular cause, which is part of the reason To Write Love on Her Arms Day is so great.

For many causes, getting people "het up" or "in a state" over something is the best way to see results. If people are loud - whether they care or not - they might get better results.

This approach doesn't work well with depression, self-harm, addiction, or stuggles with suicide. A softer hand, a shoulder to cry on, an arm to hold onto, a show of support works better - and creates a longer-lasting effect - than screaming at the higher-ups to have something done.

To Write Love on Her Arms Day is a day to, literally, write the word "Love" on your arm, to show that you care and support those who are struggling with depression, self-harm, addiction, or thoughts of suicide. Even if you think you don't know anyone who battles these day in and day out, you can't know for certain. And a complete stranger, feeling low and unneeded, may see the writing on your arms and know - even for a day - that someone, somewhere, cares.

Sometimes that's all it takes.

You may be the most supportive person on the planet, but to a stranger with these struggles, walking behind you in the mall, or sitting beside you on transit, or delivering your mail, you seem to have it all together. That stranger will not approach you for support, wouldn't dare dream of asking for a helping hand.

And how can you offer a hand if you don't know that it's needed?

Simple. Today, November 13, 2009 (and every November 13), write the word "Love" on your arms. Let the world know that you care about the mental and physical health of those around you.

Last year, according to the Facebook group dedicated to this cause, there were 500,000 "Attendees." This year, so far, there are well over 1,000,000. Next year, let's shoot for 5,000,000.

After all, all you have to do is be proud of the fact that you are a supportive and caring person. Own it. Write it on your arms, so that some other person doesn't have to drag a blade across theirs.