TWLOHA

Move for something that matters. Create your fundraiser to join the Move For It 5k and get your 5k pack when you raise your first $50! Find all the details you need at moveforit5k.com. ?

?? Move for something that matters. ?? Sign up now for our virtual Move For It 5k! Raise your first $50, you’ll unlock your 5k Pack—including this year’s 5k shirt, race bib, and medal. ?? We’re moving for those we’ve lost, those we love, the world we want to see, and the stories we’re still writing. As a community, we’re aiming to raise $150,000 to expand access to mental health support. These funds will help us build resilience, connect people to help, and empower communities across the globe. ?? And this year, we’ve made it easier than ever for you to rally your community. Supporters will be hosting Move For It 5k meet-ups across the globe and fundraising as a team, giving you an opportunity to connect with others in your area who are passionate about this work. Become a meet-up host and bring this event to your city, or join an existing team! We already have 10 cities on the map. ?? The top fundraising team as of April 19th will win the opportunity to have TWLOHA’s official presence at their race on May 3rd—including a TWLOHA speaker, merch, and wellness sessions. ?? Together, we’ll show that healing happens when we move as one. Sign up and get your fundraiser started now, learn more about how to host a meet-up, and find other FAQs at moveforit5k.com.

Thank you so much Victory Cup Initiative!! This opportunity to pour into our organization and this moment to share our story that has been transforming lives for 19 years has meant so much to us!

Sharing the problem: After 19 years in the mental health space, our team here at TWLOHA has noticed a pattern: most people don’t realize they’re struggling until adulthood. But that doesn’t mean their struggles start then. National data shows us that on average, adults wait 11 years from the onset of symptoms before seeking help. That means most mental health challenges begin in the teenage years—long before many people receive support. And the data backs this up: ?? In 2021, 42% of teens reported feeling persistently sad, and 1 in 5 considered suicide (CDC, 2023 Youth Risk Behavior Survey). ?? For those under 35, suicide is now the second leading cause of death in America. This is why we believe mental health education needs to start EARLY—before people reach a crisis point. By equipping young people with tools to understand and care for their mental health, we can break the cycle of waiting and help more people find hope and support when they need it most. ??

Sharing the Problem: Every time I share about @TWLOHA, there’s one stat that consistently stops people in their tracks—no matter how many times I say it. It's this: Suicide is now the 2nd leading cause of death for young people in America, ages 10-34. If this is new to you, I encourage you to take a moment to process it. It’s a heartbreaking reality for too many. I am incredibly proud that TWLOHA is a leader in the youth mental health conversation, pioneering messages of hope that shatter stigma and provide avenues of help. Last year alone, over 100,000 people downloaded our free mental health toolkit—taking their own life-saving steps toward wellness and support. It’s a profound honor to stand alongside an organization that saves lives every day, offering hope and healing to those who need it most.

One of the most common things I hear is, ‘I just don’t know what to say to someone who’s struggling.’ I get it—those moments can feel overwhelming. But more than the perfect words, what matters is showing up. At TWLOHA, we work to equip people with the tools to have honest, supportive conversations. Sometimes, the best thing you can say is: I see you. I’m here for you. And then simply ask: How can I support you? People don't want to be fixed, they want to know they aren't alone.

So fun story for those that don't know: I grew up as a punk rock queer kid in a small farm town in southern Ohio. In the early 2000s, MySpace was my escape hatch—my way to find music, community, and proof that there was a bigger world beyond cornfields and football games. That’s where I first heard about To Write Love on Her Arms (TWLOHA). Back then, MySpace was more than just a social media platform; it was a lifeline for kids like me who felt a little (or a lot) out of place. My profile was decked out in HTML chaos, my Top 8 was constantly shifting based on band allegiances, and my playlist was a mix of Paramore, Underoath, Taking Back Sunday, and My Chemical Romance. And right in the middle of all that was TWLOHA. I remember seeing the shirts on my favorite bands and reading the story behind the movement. It wasn’t just merch—it was a message. A promise. That even if you felt alone, you weren’t. That your struggles didn’t make you broken. That hope existed, even if it felt impossibly far away. Now, years later, I still carry those lessons with me. TWLOHA helped shape the way I think about mental health, belonging, and the power of finding your people. Looking back, it’s wild to think that something as simple as a MySpace post could spark a movement that would change—and even save—so many lives. I am so happy that now in my adult life, I can have this kind of full-circle moments with people like Sheena Grosshans, and yes I did tear up telling her all of this in our first meeting. ?? So here’s to punk rock, MySpace nostalgia, and the power of words. ??

Our supporters are incredible, and Zak Rittenhouse is a shining example. I wish everyone could have been a fly on the wall when Zak and I first met—he shared how he’s known about TWLOHA since our beginning and the profound impact it’s had on his life. But beyond that, Zak is a leader for mental health everywhere he goes—breaking stigma, creating real change, and ensuring those who are struggling have access to the help they deserve. That he’s receiving an award from Braze and recognition for his decades-long dedication is just the icing on the cake. Well done, Zak! It’s an honor not only to know you, but also to celebrate you as an advocate, donor, and ally for TWLOHA.

Interested in featuring your story on the TWLOHA Blog? Our inbox is always open for submissions! ?? What exactly are we looking for? We’re interested in firsthand stories about how mental health has impacted you or those close to you. These stories play a crucial role in reminding others they are not alone. Whether anxiety, suicidal ideation, addiction, eating disorders, self-injury, depression, or another mental health experience—we want to hear from you. Stories that make someone feel seen and heard can be a turning point in their healing. ?? Here’s the details: - 500-900 words - No PDFs, please - Submissions can be sent to [email protected] - Please note that this is a volunteer opportunity Once your piece has been submitted, our editorial team will review it and get back to you as soon as they can to let you know whether your writing has been selected for publication. ?? A note: Whether your piece is officially published on the TWLOHA Blog or not, we will always cherish each and every word you share with us. Our team is honored to receive your stories with care. Don’t discount yourself. A “yes” or a “no” will never define you and if this is something you’re interested in, we hope we’ve encouraged you to go for it! Enough from us—get to writing! Our email ([email protected]) is open and ready to receive your story.

Our lifestyles are set up for burnout. They ask for so much and leave little time for rest. We live in a world that prioritizes “success” over all else. It says that our value lies in our work and that if we aren’t willing to sacrifice all of our needs all of the time then we’ll never get anywhere. A place that requires sacrificing yourself to get to is not a place worth going to. Burnout is a state of being that consists of fatigue, irritability, and apathy that is connected to life stressors—most frequently workplace stressors. It can look like feeling frozen and unable to move from one task or event to the next. It can look like not finding joy in activities outside of work that involve physical or mental effort. It can look like increased irritability and a constant feeling of negativity or apathy. If you find yourself constantly exhausted, even in the “slow” seasons—you might be struggling with ongoing burnout. It’s time to set boundaries like non-negotiable quiet time outside of work and time for activities that help you connect with yourself. Start planning ahead—not your tasks and to-dos—but how you’re going to care for yourself. Add it to the routine and don’t budge on making it a priority. If you aren’t there yet, be proactive. Check in with yourself and your mental health regularly so you know when signs of burnout start to show. We know so many of the resources that can help are not easily accessible for everyone. Whether money, distance, or time—it’s hard to prioritize what we need. That’s why we created the Mental Health Toolkit at mentalhealthtoolkit.co. It has activities and resources that take anywhere from 5-20 minutes to utilize—and they can all be done from right where you are.