This year, I had the amazing opportunity to represent West Chester's Odyssey Online at Firefly Music Festival in Dover, DE, Friday, June 15th. To say that I was terrified by the thought of having to go by myself was an understatement, but the prospect of being surrounded by such amazing music and having the opportunity to interview with unique and driven individuals supporting great causes was too much to pass up on.
What I didn't expect was the overall vibe that you get while you're actually at the festival. Everyone's warm and welcoming and talkative. Everyone wants to be your friend. It almost didn't matter at all that I was alone because it didn't feel like I was.
I've struggled with feelings of depression and anxiety for as long as I can remember. I know what it's like to feel alone or to feel like the outcast. An organization that helped me through a lot of these feelings was To Write Love On Her Arms (TWLOHA). At Firefly, I was able to interview a core team member of TWLOHA, Chad Moses, who speaks on behalf of the organization at events. The organization is 12 years old, and Chad has been around for 10 out of 12 of those years, so his experience is plentiful.
Chad Moses, TWLOHA
"[To Write Love On Her Arms] is a nonprofit presenting hope for anyone recovering...It's a bridge to recovery," Chad stated when asked what specifically TWLOHA was all about. The organization helps with recovery of all kinds, including depression, self-harm, addiction, or suicide. TWLOHA represents the belief that "a better life [is] possible" and its team exemplifies this.
For many of the employees that work there, this organization is not just a stop along the way, but a set career. This is what they want to do with their lives. Chad is no different in that regard. When asked how he got involved with TWLOHA, he replied, "Issues have residence in my life. Friends got me connected [to TWLOHA] through my own recovery." From there, he was mentored and it became all about helping others. Chad began to ask himself, '"What are ways that my issues can positively affect people?"' He began writing blogs for TWLOHA on various topics like upcoming event invitations and on mental health, recovery, self-worth, music, etc. He also shared with me the best piece of advice from his mentor that he'd gotten -- "The only difference between manure and shit is purpose."
And what advice would Chad give to those struggling with depression, recovery, or just any sort of struggle? "It's okay to not be okay...There's no shame in asking for help. If you feel like something is off, ask for help. Visit TWLOHA's website, use our Friends-in-Crisis hotline and text any word to 741741 for a response from a trained responder. Reach out."
Days will pass and time will heal your wounds, but if you need help healing, please reach out. Please use any of the resources provided. And always remember that you are not alone. Even when it feels like you are the most, you aren't. You matter and you deserve help if you need it.
