By Matthew Laurrie
Features Assignment Editor
Worldwide, 121 million people suffer from depression and other mental health issues, according to the World Heath Organization. One new group on campus is working to combat this statistic.
To Write Love on Her Arms (TWLOHA) is a nonprofit organization aimed at providing help to people affected by mental health issues, like depression, addiction, self injury and suicide.
Last Thursday, TWLOHA held its first fundraiser of the semester – pie an SBU staff member. Abby Cohen, TWLOHA club advisor, said the event was geared toward raising money for the group while spreading awareness about the club’s goals this semester.
“The pie an SBU staff member fundraiser was meant to raise awareness in regards to starting a new club on campus,” said Cohen, director of first-year experience. “We wanted to get the word out about what TWLOHA stands for while at the same time raising money.”
Kait Anthony, a sophomore undeclared business major and co-president of the group, said the event was not only an opportunity to raise money, but it also brought the campus community together.
“We decided it was a really good idea, and it was a good way to make money but also something fun (to) bring a lot of laughter and silliness and bonding for staff and students,” Anthony said.
Christina D’Onofrio, a sophomore education major and co-president of the group, said members of TWLOHA talked with and emailed staff members on campus to see if they were interested in participating in the event. Members of University Ministries, Residence Life and TWLOHA volunteered their faces for the event and helped raise more than $250, according to D’Onofrio. All of the proceeds will go toward sending a student representative to receive chapter training.
According to D’Onofrio, the Bonaventure chapter of TWLOHA is still waiting to receive the necessary training to designate them as an official group affiliate. D’Onofrio said the training is highly important because, when dealing with serious issues like depression, self-harm and suicide, she wants to ensure students obtain proper advice and are guided to the right resources.
“We are contacting (TWLOHA) to see when we can get that training and what we need to do to acquire it,” she said. “Some of these are difficult topics and we want to know how to handle them appropriately and be able to help people as opposed to hindering someone’s recovery. We want to be able to talk about them without being harmful to anyone.”
In the meantime, Anthony and D’Onofrio said TWLOHA is planning small events to help alleviate students’ anxiety, especially when it comes to academics.
“We have a lot of little things planned and a lot of stress relief things,” D’Onofrio said. “One of the things people are excited about is that we make cookies during finals week and then we just kind of pass them out during finals – it’s a lot of fun. Just little things to lessen tension and relieve stress among students.”
TWLOHA meets every Thursday at 8 p.m. in Reilly Center 211. Contact D’Onofrio or Anthony for more information about joining the club.
Cohen reflected on the value of emotional well-being and said through her position as a staff member, she has gained a unique perspective and appreciation for this cause.
“I think TWLOHA is a great resource for the Bonaventure community because (the) emotional health of our students is important,” Cohen said. “This club works to discuss issues that are often not talked about publicly. As a staff member on campus, it has been great to watch the club form. Students from all different backgrounds are coming together for the same cause.”
