my dad committed suicide in june after a long battle with depression, and you guys give me hope that we can help people win the battle with this illness. long live twloha(:

1 | Left by katie | Sep. 10, 2009 at 3:57pm

This brightened up my day. Knowing that people believe in those who don't believe in themselves anymore. "Maybe it starts when we push back at the stereotype and the lies that fuel the stigma that says pain is something we're not allowed to talk about, or that pain is for people a certain age who dress a certain way and like a certain song." Defanitly my favorite part.
Spread the love
<3

2 | Left by Emma | Sep. 10, 2009 at 4:00pm

I just want you guys to know that this organization means alot to me, and what you do is wonderful! Sometimes all you have to do is have a conversation with some one to brighten their day a bit. You guys are awesome. Thanks.

3 | Left by Caitlin | Sep. 10, 2009 at 4:14pm

Jamie, I only wish you had posted this a little earlier today so I could have helped spread the message to everybody I knew.

Regardless, today is a bittersweet day of remembrance and hope. It is important to be there for those who have lost a loved one, and also to cherish and reflect upon the memories of the loved ones we have lost. However, once you are gone, you are forever gone; and so, the most important thing that must be done is to help prevent such tragedies from occurring again in the future. I am *always* there for my friends in these vital situations, and I even reach out to strangers. In the moment of death, truth and beauty never comes out to you, but with the helping words and comfort of another empathetic human being, you can help bring them to terms.

I really hope that I have done this, and I really want to -- and need to, as a human, to do this in the future: be there when everybody else chooses not to be. We need to be more than that.

My only criticism is that this is actually a "day." I feel that this deserves at least a WEEK to reflect upon the ways of helping people cope, to trying to help raise awareness for these things. Life is so fragile, and once it's gone, so many people are devastated. People should understand that these things take time to understand and try to cope with.

I love the message of this organization, and I always spread it; never directly by the group's title, but by my own efforts that reflect the endeavors of this great family.

Thank you, and love to you all ~~

-- Gary Klatt.

4 | Left by Gary Klatt | Sep. 10, 2009 at 4:20pm

this organization means so much to me.
and im tired of people not feeling loved. no one deserves to feel like they dont belong and i hope everyone can make an impact in someone's life to cut the number of suicides.

my friend committed suicide in may and just today i had a dream that i stopped her that things turned out differently...reality is that it didnt happen that way but i know that i can help other people and make them feel loved.

5 | Left by andi | Sep. 10, 2009 at 4:29pm

Your words are beautiful. I've spent the day reconciling broken friendships and simply saying "Hello" to people I haven't talked to in a while and I feel so much better for it.



Your mother must be so proud of you for all the good you're spreading through the world.



Thank You.

6 | Left by K. | Sep. 10, 2009 at 4:50pm

This is so true. Love is something that can change someones life. It changed mine. I attempted 8 times, but when push came to emotional shove, I didn't really want to die. I just wanted to be loved, I just wanted help, I just wanted to be known. I have some friends who I owe my life to, who saw me when I was alone. I have never lost anyone to suicide... I only hope that I can make the difference and let my story help others like me pull out of the darkness. I pray I never lose anyone to suicide, because I hope I will be the kind of friend to love them and give them the hope I so desperately searched for for 5 years. Not to say it isn't hard. I have a lot of tough days. Sometimes I lose sight of hope. But I try.

7 | Left by Taylor | Sep. 10, 2009 at 4:58pm

My little brother commited suicide and I have often wondered what would have happened if I had called him that day to tell him I loved despite being busy with finals that day, like I felt the need to...

Even though living through his choice to end his life I still think it could have been prevented.

8 | Left by Christina | Sep. 10, 2009 at 5:02pm

I lost my brother to suicide. He was only 27. It's almost been a year since he died. It feels like it just happened though. It's still fresh in my mind, and it still hurts just as much. Nobody should feel so helpless and lost that the only way out is suicide.

9 | Left by Rita | Sep. 10, 2009 at 5:49pm

My father commited suicide in April of 2005...and I myself have been a victim of severe depression and suicidal tendencies...so this day is very special and important to me. As horrible as the circumstances are that bring all of us together, it is such a blessing to have an organization like TWLOHA that is here for all of us survivors to get together to be able to share our stories and know that we are not alone. I am most proudly wearing my "Love Is The Movement" shirt as I think about my father and what he must have been experiencing at the time of his death, and how my life has changed since he's been gone. I pray that all of you, knowing that time doesn't always heal wounds the way we want it to, will find peace and solace in the fact that you are not alone in your time of mourning, or in dealing with life after such a tradgedy. Please feel free to contact me anytime if you ever need to talk!

10 | Left by Christy | Sep. 10, 2009 at 6:50pm

Thank you for sharing this, Jamie. I have been through treatment, and I have been seeing counselors for 6 years. There are so many people that have decided that helping me and caring for me is too much of a burden. I wish that everyone could read this. Luckily, my treatment, family, and a few select friends kept me going. Sometimes it still gets hard, I'm not going to lie. But I wish I could get everyone to read this. Friends ARE meant to help eachother, in not only the good times but also the bad. My heart goes out to anyone who needs help through their hardships and isn't getting it from their friends. I am now a peer counselor at my school, and I am dedicating the rest of my life to helping anyone who needs it. Love is the movement, people. Love eachother.

11 | Left by Nicole | Sep. 10, 2009 at 7:01pm

Jamie, Thank you so much for posting this. My best friend passed away less than three months ago, and his suicide shattered the people of Colorado Springs, Colorado. Your organization has helped our church, and has helped us in a process of healing. What you are doing is one of the most amazing things ever. I'm so glad your a part. Thank you so very, very much.

Love, Tori

12 | Left by Tori Thompson | Sep. 10, 2009 at 7:07pm

I wore my Casey Calvert shirt all day. I found its words to be so fitting- "Our hearts are heavy and light. We laugh scream and sing. Our hearts are heavy and light."

I've had a hard time these last couple weeks. Juggling class and work and recovery makes for a lot of overwhelming feelings of fear and pain and frustration. It's only through community- and especially a couple of very good friends who simply won't let me go- that I've been able to stay sober. I can't do this alone, and I know I can't, but I hate it so much. The line from Relient K's Who I Am Hates Who I've Been comes to mind- "and I can't let that happen again/cause then you'll see my heart/in the saddest state it's ever been/and this is no place to try and live my life". Community is a struggle 'cause I hate people seeing my heart this way. Something written in the TWLOHA: On the Road blog is helping tear down those walls-- "If we do not let people see the crap in our lives, we deny them the opportunity of seeing the miracle of us coming out alive, stronger, and more complete." I want my friends, my community to see me come out alive, stronger, and more complete... and so I still fight it.

Thank you for your words, Jamie. I find so much encouragement and hope and inspiration in these blogs. I'm so glad TWLOHA is part of my story.
-Shalom

13 | Left by ally c | Sep. 10, 2009 at 7:19pm

Thank you for posting. I lost my son, Ben last year. 2/18/08, he was just 15 years old. we'd gone to counselors for some legal and behavioral issues, but none of the 4 or 5 counselors picked up on the truth. None of them came to the memorial, none called, none even sent a card. Through his counseling, Ben always said what he thought was the right thing and covered up his true depression so no one really knew. I BEG anyone who is not opening up to just give it a chance. TRY letting someone know how you feel, please. Ben's suicide shattered my world and made me realize how fragile everyone truly is. Sometimes you don't know, we walk by people every day oblivious to who they truly are. Take the time to look at people. To give them a minute of your time, to smile at them and let them know you care.
this Saturday I walk with afsp in remembrance of my son... in the hopes that maybe we can stop others from doing the same.
Thank you so very much.

14 | Left by Tami Neibold | Sep. 10, 2009 at 7:32pm

I never believed in love before it rescued me. Today, love holds all my faith. Thank you, everyone. Remember the past, but also remember to be strong for the future. For everyone's future. Most of all, remember I love you. Someone always loves you. Let's not let it be just a day. For me, it's a lifestyle.

15 | Left by leanna | Sep. 10, 2009 at 9:47pm

Thanks jamie really. Suicide, isn't a thing to be laughed about, or joked about, its a serious matter that many don't understand the consiquences of the pain it causes families and friends, And not just them but the person that commited suicide. So Help stop this from happening, Spread the MOVEMENT, LOVE IS THE MOVEMENT.

16 | Left by noone | Sep. 10, 2009 at 9:54pm

Thanks Jamie....I've been struggling a lot with suicide for the last few months, and even more recently.
I was afraid to talk about it, to reach out for fear of being judged...but now I think I'm gonna speak up. :] Thanks again! <3

17 | Left by Katie | Sep. 10, 2009 at 10:32pm

This blog was beautiful and means alot that I can come to this website and read an uplifting message. Thanks TWLOHA

18 | Left by Ashley P. | Sep. 11, 2009 at 6:36am

<3. Thank you.

There is an Out of the Darkness suicide awareness walk I am going to on the 20th. I am going for my two friends, for the people who took their lives. And for myself.

We will continue to be hopeful that maybe one day happiness will come.

19 | Left by Cassie | Sep. 11, 2009 at 9:15am

Thank you,
after re-reading this I've found the answer.

20 | Left by Maritza | Sep. 11, 2009 at 11:00am

I have a very good friend that's falling into alcohol more and more. I was struggling with what I should do - what I CAN do. My question was should I say something now and risk her hating me forever, or, not say something and risk her hating me forever.

But this helped me realize that maybe I need to be one of those little miracles. I have let her go before and I will do anything to keep that from happening again. I choose to love. Even though it's hard.

Thank you.

21 | Left by Paige | Sep. 11, 2009 at 12:45pm

this is touching. i wish i would of found this early yesterday morning. twloha is what keeps me going through the day along with some friends. because jamie told all of us that we could do this because renee could that we deserve to live and not be filled with hellish pain. i have three people in my life who keep me going. i still cut and think about suicide and finally succeeding in commiting. but reading things like these give me hope. i told somebody that i was cutting two weeks ago today. = ]

22 | Left by Karen | Sep. 11, 2009 at 3:36pm

My friend was going to committ suicide this day. September 10th.
Now that I see that it was actually prevention day, I feel even more satisfied.

He is in the hospital now though because he shot this morning. I'm hoping he's alright.

23 | Left by Chrissy | Sep. 11, 2009 at 3:45pm

my best friend elle died on june 2 2008, i found her. she was such a beautiful person, so insightful and funny. i had just helped her stop cutting, we did it together, when it happend. you guys give me hope that all the other elle's out there might live.

24 | Left by kris | Sep. 11, 2009 at 9:45pm

thank you jamie, for all that you've done and your strength to overcome everything and then do your absolute best to try to help others.
i truly admire you.
what you said about letting people in really touched me. i've been struggling alone for so long now and when i finally let people in, i guess things sort of looked up for me.
i also strongly agree it's time for us to drop the stereotypes about what it is to be suicidal or depressed. i don't "look like" your average "emo" person and nobody(other than my closest friends and mom) suspects that i am depressed and suicidal. if only they could look past these stereotypes..

thank you again, jamie.

25 | Left by dani | Sep. 12, 2009 at 9:57am

Thanks for the info Jamie. It really means a lot to people out there. Thanks for all you are doing, inspiring hope in eveyone. You are all awesome, interns and staff alike.

Thanks.

26 | Left by Dylan | Sep. 12, 2009 at 10:38am

thats so ironic. i didnt even know that the 10th was that day. but its weird, cause i did it then too..

27 | Left by erica | Sep. 12, 2009 at 12:44pm

i attemped suicied bout 3 months ago so thiz day iz supper speciel too meh.
thx twloha for all tht yew doo i love yew all:}

much love
ashwee

28 | Left by ashwee | Sep. 12, 2009 at 5:00pm

thanx 4 helping me....=)
i had a problem wit suicide...

29 | Left by j....... | Sep. 13, 2009 at 2:01am

you are so right yet so wrong..
you say that if you let friends in and share your hurt, you will have support. but what if you have no friends, what if the only person you have shared your secrets with rejects you. you say that someone will care and be there for you, but its lies. all lies. online and real life acquaintances dont count. you say you dont have to go it alone. but the truth is, i am alone. totally and utterly alone. and there is not a thing that you can do to change that. i think what your doing is awesome with twhola and all. but if you havnt any friends, any support, any strength, then why go on? its cruel. some people are left behind by a loved one to suicide. but how loved; how embraced did they feel if they did what they did? i can tell your a great friend to your friends and they are lucky to know a guy special like you.

30 | Left by mary | Sep. 13, 2009 at 3:27am

My friend Jesse committed suicide...That's what put me in gear for this. Thank you TWLOHA.

31 | Left by Tyler | Sep. 13, 2009 at 8:34am

i think TWLOHA is the bestest organization every. that, along with flyleaf, has saved my life. i cant thank you enuff

32 | Left by Rena | Sep. 14, 2009 at 7:31pm

This is really lifting. I used to be suicidal and tried certain amount of times. I'm glad that there are people who are there to support others who are, or were, like me. Thank God for people who support others. I feel bad that I missed the date for this, or else I really would have participated in it. Love you all on TWLOHA! :)

33 | Left by Chrissy | Sep. 15, 2009 at 6:28am

my uncle commited suicide i wish that someone had known so they could have saved him...

34 | Left by sam | Sep. 15, 2009 at 1:49pm

Just wanted to let you know how much your cause has meant to me. I am a former self-injurer who deals every day with depression, I've been on medication for it for almost 10 years. I also have a friend who deals with similar, but much more severe issues, and has been to a treatment center to help her overcome self-injury. And just last week, my little sister's best friend, who has been like a little sister to me, lost her mother to suicide. She is dealing with so much right now: her mother moved away a year ago, abandoning her, her father, and her 2 brothers, and had been struggling with depression and related illnesses for much longer than anyone knows. I hope that you will continue to help the way that you have, and thank you for all that you have done thus far.

35 | Left by Becca | Sep. 15, 2009 at 10:30pm

every time i read your blogs, i honestly want to cry. your messages fill me with faith and hope; hope to continue on. the world needs more folks like you--ones that are willing to speak up for what is right.

36 | Left by izzie | Sep. 16, 2009 at 6:07pm

I would just like to say that i love these blogs because it's a simple way to reach out to people. Everybody has their different issues and their different stories, but one thing that everybody needs is a friend. I know how it feels to be lonely and feel like you don't have any friends or anybody who cares. But the thing is, sometimes you have to be able to deal with the stress and the pain. You can't let it get u down, because if u do, it's going to be 100x harder to get back up again. I've learned to try to look to the positive side of things, and not keep dweling on the negative side. Even though it may seem impossible at first, things cannot get any worse, only better. Even though sometimes i may need a little extra push, this is what gives it to me. I don't know what i would do without TWLOHA and it really does show me that even when u feel like giving up, it will eventually get better. Through this experience, i've recovered from cutting, even though i do still struggle with it, and i've recovered from being suicidal, and i've lost friends, but i've gained some too. I know that if one door closes another one will open. So if mary, or anyone else is looking for a friend or a helping hand, im open- pokeodtpenguin13@aol.com

love is the movement
nicole

37 | Left by Nicole | Sep. 17, 2009 at 1:08pm

my cousin friend died from committing suicide. it was just 2 days before her b-day. we love you till this day sweetie

38 | Left by maranda | Sep. 22, 2009 at 10:39am

I just discovered TWLOHA today, and it has encouraged me so much already. I used to scrape my arms, and my best friend is suicidal. Reading this right now has given me the hope and encouragement I need to help her through her hard times. I want to reach out to people who hurt, and I now I know that I have a part to play. I want to be a life-saver to someone. I want to show them that they are not alone, that they have hope, that they are loved.

39 | Left by rebecca | Sep. 22, 2009 at 10:19pm

There is always a bright shining light at the end of every dark tunnel, there's always a silver lining to ever cloud, and there is always hope. I have been faces troubles stoping myself from cutting my arms and also finding difficulty not taking my own life away. this site has made a difference in my life. And hopefully this site has made a big enough difference to stop some young people like myself and older people from taking their own life or/and cutting their arms because theres no hope and give them hope to belieave in as I know it has and will continue to!!!!!!
And don't ever ever give up! Just like I haven't and you will find hope! It's not your time to go! Just bealive in yourself!! :-) TWLOHA


Don't stop beleaving!!!!! There's always hope:-)

40 | Left by Twloha | Sep. 23, 2009 at 10:16am

J........ Find the hope inside you to understand that you do have a friend a friend that will always be there always. Jesus. Jesus and the
People of this site helped me. I was also "alone". But I've always looked for the silver lining. I've gone from cutting myself trying to take my life away gothic to a person full of hope spilling over the surface. Please, please bealive in hope and find the will to not take your life away your are a important part of this planet and part of your community. I am just a kid but I do understand the pain. I have been depressed for a few years and I'm on the same road as u so just have faith in Jesus! We all love you.











Send to J........



















Send to J........ U r loved



















U r needed!!! Beleave in Jesus!!

41 | Left by Send to j........ | Sep. 23, 2009 at 10:33am

When I think of suicide prevention I think of another life saved, I think of hope and perseverance.

I've had depression for a long time now, tried to kill myself twice, lost the will to live countless times. TWLOHA's been there through it all and their message and messengers are my heroes. One person saved my life and still does every day even though we've never met because every day it's so hard. My heart goes out to those who've suffered, both themselves and in others. TWLOHA's inspirational and all my life I'll donate.

Jamie your words are insightful, thought-provoking and so hopeful. TWLOHA's taught me patience and to always look for the silver lining. We have to keep this going forever.

Lovee :) xxx

42 | Left by Nina | Sep. 30, 2009 at 6:20am

It is great to know that someone in this messed up world is here to bring people out of there darkness. Thank you guys so much.

43 | Left by Andrew Gardner | Oct. 1, 2009 at 6:15am

Nearly four years ago I lost my best friend/ boyfriend to suicide. Every since then I have battled depression and self-injury. His suicide turned my world upside down and introduced me to things that I never thought I would experience let alone do myself. When I needed a friend and when I needed support no one was there for me. I wouldn't be here if it weren't for my friend Jordan...he was the only one who had enough patience to try and help me. It took me a long time to tell him what I thought and how I felt. If it weren't for him I would surely be dead. So, it's true sometimes one caring person can change your entire life or give you a second chance to correct your mistakes.

Thank you TWLOHA
this organization helps me get through everyday

44 | Left by Samantha | Oct. 1, 2009 at 1:10pm

I didn't discover TWLOHA until the other day. Quite frankly, I wish I had discovered it earlier. Three days after this blog was posted, I lost my best friend to suicide. I think that everyone needs to understand that there's always hope no matter if they think otherwise. Everybody needs to be loved by somebody. No one should die on their own and alone. No one should have to die by their own hand. It's just not right. I'm glad one of my friends wrote about TWLOHA on her bulletins on her Myspace. I'd heard of it, but I never had thought much of it. Now, I think the world of you guys and the cause you support. Keep on saving lives, one minute at a time! Rock on!

45 | Left by JoAnn | Nov. 12, 2009 at 7:42pm

I wrote love on my arms today to raise awareness and almost everyone in my school has followed suit everyone has been told about the day this makes me feel so good as i personally suffer from depresion and often feel alone but today i feel like people are aware of the problem

:)

46 | Left by Zoe | Nov. 12, 2009 at 8:26pm

I discovered TWLOHA the other day, off of Facebook! I have lost two great friends from suicide, which one was one of my best friends, we and some other close friends were the ones who found him. Two years ago, my four year old neice past away...It has made my sister try to use suicide as a way out. But she was lucky to still be alive and have people find her after she has tried to do these things. As a matter of fact...Tomorrow is this sisters bday! I think it is a sign from god, for me to let her know about this day, and how many of people in the world are going to be doing this to help her and other out there in the world! I posted on my facebook for everyone to join, I emailed this to all my friends and family! Every person who does this counts...and will change a persons life I think! I wish I would have discovered this day sooner! I could of shared it with my two friends and others! But I know they are looking down on me from heaven knowing that what I am doing I am doing for them! Get day to have! And props to whom ever did this day and this websit! You have much respet from me! Thank you!

47 | Left by Deneen | Nov. 13, 2009 at 1:00am

thanks u guys who participated today
ima cutter trying to stop & dealing with depression
& some of my friends used to cut or still cut
suicidal & dealing with depression too everyday!!
& to know that theres ppl out there who help support people like me is a blessing thank you!!!!
love you & keep supporting

48 | Left by precious | Nov. 13, 2009 at 7:15am

hey i am new to this movement but i think it is a good movement...because i suffer depression and i have attempted suicide and then i got sent to a therapist and now im not like that anymore...i still suffer depression but in the past few years it has gotten better....i have to admit that in my freshman year i lost my grandmother and i started hurting myself because that i that i could end up with her.....but then im glad that i didn't because i wouldn't have got to meet the incredible people i know now.....I am forever a TWLOHA member

49 | Left by Amber Ladwig | Nov. 13, 2009 at 8:24am

thanks for this web site....my sons grandparents (on his fathers side) both killed themselves on the same day. He is still little yet, but this site has givin me great insite to this tradgec way of death. Oneday it may help my son to understand as well

50 | Left by savannah | Nov. 13, 2009 at 3:27pm

sometimes all I wish for is for someone to hug me i don't remember what a real sincere hug feels like funny how you can feel so lonely surrounded by people just don't understand what i was meant for in this life pain doesn't seem like much of a purpose i hope this web site helps to educate as well as support namaste

51 | Left by me | Jan. 24, 2010 at 10:29am

Stop glamorizing self-injury by telling people to write love on their arms.

Also, stop fronting for religious zealots who preach that prayer will make you straight.

52 | Left by I hate TWLOHA | Feb. 14, 2010 at 9:48pm

I <3 ToWriteLoveOnHerArms(:
You're Amazing:D
I write love on my arms everyday
supporting you<3

53 | Left by Bree:D | Feb. 22, 2010 at 10:28am