1. THE VISION A Take Action Project

2. The vision is that community and hope and help would replace secrets and silence.

3. The vision is people putting down guns and blades and bottles.

4. The vision is that we can reduce the suicide rate in America and around the world.

5. The vision is that we would learn what it means to love our friends, and that we would love ourselves enough to get the help we need.

6. The vision is better endings. The vision is the restoration of broken families and broken relationships. The vision is people finding life, finding freedom, finding love. The vision is graduation, a Super Bowl, a wedding, a child, a sunrise. The vision is people becoming incredible parents, people breaking cycles, making change.

7. The vision is the possibility that your best days are ahead.

8. The vision is the possibility that we're more loved than we'll ever know.

9. The vision is hope, and hope is real.

10. 121 million people worldwide are suffering from depression. 18 million of these people are right here in the U.S. 2/3 of people who are depressed never seek help. Untreated depression is the number one cause of suicide.

11. Symptoms of Depression Miserable mood most of the day; feeling sad or empty, tearful Significant loss of interest or pleasure in activities that used to be enjoyable Significant weight loss (when not dieting) or weight gain; decrease or increase in appetite Difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much Agitation; or slowing down of thoughts and reduction of physical movements Fatigue or loss of energy Feelings of worthlessness or inappropriate guilt Poor concentration or having difficulty making decisions Thinking about death or suicide

12. About 4% of these depressed people suffer from self- injury. A person who self-harms is not necessarily suicidal or depressed. Self-mutilation is mainly from the inability to understand or express feelings, past abuse, feelings of loneliness and/or emptiness, and depression. Self-harm is often turned into an addiction, much like smoking or drinking. People who self-harm CAN BE TREATED.

13. Signs of Self-harm Scars, such as from burns or cuts Fresh cuts, scratches, bruises or other wounds Broken bones Keeping sharp objects on hand Spending a great deal of time alone Relationship troubles Wearing long sleeves or long pants, even in hot weather Claiming to have frequent accidents or mishaps

14. Forms of self-harm include: Severe scratching Cutting Burning Poisoning Carving words or symbols on the skin Breaking bones Hitting or punching Piercing the skin with sharp objects Head banging Biting Pulling out hair Interfering with healing wounds

15. One million people die each year from suicide. In the past 45 years, suicide rates have increased by about 60% worldwide. Attempted suicides are about 20 times more frequent than completed ones. Suicide is one of the leading causes of death for people between the ages of 15 and 44. Teenagers now have the highest suicide rates worldwide. Mental health disorders like depression and substance abuse are linked with over 90% of self-inflicted deaths. Youth suicide is increasing at the highest rate.

16. Suicidal Behaviour Always talking or thinking about death Untreated depression that gets worse Having a "death wish," tempting fate by taking risks that could lead to death Losing interest in things one used to care about Making comments about being hopeless, helpless, or worthless Putting affairs in order, tying up loose ends, changing a will Saying things like “It would be better if I wasn't here" or "I want out" Sudden, unexpected switch from being very sad to being very calm or appearing to be happy Talking about suicide or killing one's self Visiting or calling people to say goodbye Giving away valuables

17. The best way to help is to simply talk to people. If you know someone who is depressed or a self harmer or suicidal, talk about it. A few words can go a long way. R U OK? Day is on Thursday, September 15. This day challenges us to go ahead and ask someone if they’re alright. You’d be surprised; such a small gesture could save a life. www.ruokday.com.au

18. You are not alone, and this is not the end of your story.

19. www.TWLOHA.comRescue is possible You’re not alone… Song credits: Carolyn- Black Veil Brides http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PKW36-UWpt8&NR=1

20. "Depression Symptoms." SEROQUEL XR® (quetiapineFumarate)| Bipolar Disorder | Depression. Web. 04 Apr. 2011. <http://www.seroquelxr.com/major-depressive-disorder/depression-symptoms.aspx?source=2907>. Staff, Mayo Clinic. "Self-injury/cutting: Symptoms - MayoClinic.com." Mayo Clinic. Web. 04 Apr. 2011. <http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/self-injury/DS00775/DSECTION=symptoms>. "Suicide and Depression: Risk Factors and Warning Signs of Suicide." WebMD - Better Information. Better Health. Web. 04 Apr. 2011. <http://www.webmd.com/depression/guide/depression-recognizing-signs-of-suicide>. "To Write Love on Her Arms Vision." To Write Love on Her Arms Home. Web. 04 Apr. 2011. <http://www.twloha.com/vision/>.