To Write Love On Her Arms Helps Music Fans Fight Depression, Suicidal Thoughts

Tim Wenger | October 1, 2014

by Tim Wenger

To Write Love On Her Arms is, according to the organization’s Facebook page, “ is a non-profit movement dedicated to presenting hope & finding help for people struggling with depression, addiction, self-injury, & suicide.” Basically, the group is there to spread the message that they will be present with open arms to help anyone who feels alone and out of options. Through booths at music events, tours, online presence, and community activism, To Write Love On Her Arms has, since 2006, sought to extend a hand to those who have run out of hope. CMB caught up with Jason Blades, a Music and Events Coordinator for the organization at the Denver edition of Riot Fest to do our part in getting their word out to those who need it.

CMB: How does the organization put its mission statement into action?

JB: We exist to encourage, inspire, inform and invest directly in treatment and recovery. Specifically we work with music festivals as a way to connect people to the work we are doing, getting them plugged into resources in their area. Then we invest money into treatment and recovery. On top of that, we also just are out here presenting the idea of mental health, showing people that it’s not taboo, it’s ok to talk about it. People come up who are curious. We have resources all over the US that we can connect people to. We want to show people that they are not alone when they are struggling.

CMB: Would you suggest that people who are seeking help contact you directly, or simply use your website or booth as a resource?

JB: The way it works is, at a festival here, people will come in contact with me directly. I am then able to bridge the gap between those who are struggling and the mental health professionals. I am not a mental health professional. Same with our website We post a lot of content that is encouraging and people can relate to. From our website, we have resources online that they can type in their zip code and plugged in.

CMB: How common is depression?

JB: 20 million people in the US struggle with depression. Untreated depression is the leading cause of suicide, and two thirds of those struggling with depression aren’t actively seeking or don’t get help. We connect the dots between those who don’t know that help is available or don’t feel that they can reach out for help because of that stigma that surrounds it.

CMB: Now that festival season is winding down, what is coming up for you this winter?

JB: In the winter time, it slows down a little bit for us as far as events go. Fall is kind of a time to keep doing the work we are doing, but regroup. We do an event called Heavy and Light in January, one in Los Angeles and Orlando. It’s basically just bring music, conversation and a night of hope. We partner with a lot of musicians. It’s music that really connects with what we do. We don’t have the dates fully confirmed yet, but it will be a Los Angeles and an Orlando show. September specifically is National Suicide Prevention Month, and September 10 specifically is National Suicide Prevention Day. We had a really big campaign leading up to that. We used it to highlight some stories that we wanted to share. We are trying to get as much traction and as much coverage on the issue of mental health is the work that we are doing year round. We have a shirt that says “No One Else Can Play Your Part.” Whether its year round or on September 10, you need to be around to fill that role.

Stay up to date on what TWLOHA is up to at their website, twloha.com