Thursday was To Write Love On Her Arms Day, according to this worldwide Facebook event. Did anyone participate by writing “love” on their arms?

To Write Love On Her Arms is a nonprofit organization devoted to suicide prevention and hope for those who struggle with depression, self-injury, and addiction. According to their web site, 121 million people worldwide suffer from depression, and suicide is the third leading cause of death in people age 15-24. In honor of To Write Love On Her Arms Day, I’d like to share a couple of stories that show the power of hope and friendship.

The first is “Scared to Hurt,” a story posted on Teen Ink blogs by Amanda. Amanda wrote about her suicide attempt and her realizations since that moment. If there’s anything you get out of this blog, read her story. You’ll be amazed. In a second blog, Amanda also talked about some of the feelings teens struggle with.

The second is “When It Rains,” an inspirational short story I wrote with a friend for a magazine, told from the point of view of a teen who once attempted suicide. It shows that by simply starting conversations with teens you haven’t met, you can make a difference to others.

When I asked Amanda how she’d suggest helping a struggling friend, she recommended just staying with them to show you care about them enough to give them your time and love, and helping them find a therapist. Also, if you’re ever in an emergency situation and you or a friend is at risk of attempting suicide, you should call 911 or 1-800-SUICIDE.

For more ideas on ways to help, check out the “find help” page on the To Write Love on Her Arms web site.

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