To Write Love on Her Arms (TWLOHA) is a non-profit organization which was founded in Florida in 2006.
It was found after a story of the same name was published and helped the author’s friend go through treatment. The UCF chapter began in 2011 and has since made an impact, helping those who need hope and are struggling with depression, addiction, self-injury and suicide. It exists to help those people and to inform and directly invest in treatment that helps with those issues.
This club is for everyone regardless of age, gender, religion, race or sexual orientation.
On Wednesdays, this club tables in front of the Student Union to raise awareness. They also meet every Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. in Room 225 of the Student Union. Each month is centered around a different mental health issue which is discussed during the meetings and in the beginning of each month, a different licensed mental health counselor is brought to discuss the month’s topic.
The club has expanded since its beginning and in the last meeting, more than 30 attended. They also host various activities within the club in which they build community such as an “Open Mic Night” which is coming up this fall semester.
“We are a campus organization that is here with the purpose of educating people on mental health issues and ending the stigmas that surround them, but also we are here to spread a message of hope to anyone who is struggling. Everybody needs to know that there is hope at some point in their lives, and we try our best to share hope with others,” said Shannon Mynheir, vice-president of To Write Love on Her Arms.
This organization is widely spread throughout many universities and here at UCF, it has helped various students since it began. Psychology senior Kyle Mullen said that for him TWLOHA is always a good reminder that other people care. He entered saying he was shy and not open about his past with going to counseling but joining this group really changed him to be more open about helping others.
“It’s good to hear about others stories and experiences,” Mullen said.
The members are not therapists but do know how to direct students who are looking for help to one. They work with local resources and counseling centers and can provide you with all the information you’d need to get to them whether it be with individual counseling, crisis intervention, workshops, etc. They also collaborate with other school services and do many activities within to help discuss the various monthly issues. Many members also complete QPR training which helps them be able to prevent suicide when they see the chance of someone being suicidal or having those thoughts.
If you are interested in finding out more about them or need help do not be hesistant and get the help you need through these resources:
UCF Counseling and Psychological Services
