To Write Love On Her Arms (TWLOHA) is a non-profit organization that informs people about mental health issues and helps them seek treatment. According to TWLOHA, 9.7 percent of Americans have a mood disorder, such as depression, and many of them never seek help.
Chad Moses, a speaker for TWLOHA, is coming to Salt Lake Community College on Oct. 8 to talk about TWLOHA, tell a little of his story and share other stories. He hopes to open honest conversation that can lead to encouraging, inspiring and informing others.
“Perhaps someone decides to see a counselor, or a professor makes herself available for heart-related matters during office hours. I believe honest conversation yields positive results,” writes Moses in an email.
Moses believes that continued, consistent and intentional conversation can help lead to recovery.
Even if people need to be helped in different ways, conversation is key in starting and receiving treatment.
“My hope is to simply be a cog in that continued conversation,” writes Moses.
Help can be found here at SLCC’s Health and Wellness Center, which offers counseling services for a wide variety of issues that college students face, including depression, thoughts of suicide and anxiety. Resources are available at South City Campus, the Taylorsville Redwood Campus and the Jordan Campus.
Scott Kadera, manager of Counseling Services states that students who are struggling with suicidal thoughts and depression often go to their friends first to talk.
He offers insight on how a friend could help someone struggling with depression.
“Provide a space where they can talk openly about their feelings and avoid being judgmental. Be a good listener, encourage them to seek help and let them know that it’s okay to get help,” says Kadera.
TWLOHA’s website offers information on a number of metal health issues including depression, addiction, suicide and eating disorders.
“Feel free to check us out online or maybe do some research on behalf of a friend. You are never alone,” writes Moses.
Moses stresses how important it is for people to come. Even if someone isn’t coming for themselves, maybe that person can help a friend.
“If you are reading this, and today feels like a hard day, we want you to know that hope is real and that help is real. Don’t give up,” writes Moses.
Moses will be at SLCC on Oct. 8 at noon in the Student Event Center at the Taylorsville Redwood Campus.
