To Write Love On Her Arms

Today I write LOVE on my arms. It’s TWLOHA day, where millions of people worldwide write the word LOVE on their arms to show their support to those suffering from depression, anxiety, addiction, and suicide. It’s something that has affected me directly – I was diagnosed with acute anxiety disorder and depression (along with a muriad of other body issues that go along with it as the body reacts to the effects). It was a long time coming – they estimated I had struggled with it for about 14 years. By the time I got help my case was pretty bad, and ended with me almost driving my car off the road during a severe panic attack. I couldn’t drive for a long time, and rarely left my apartment for just under 3 months.

I was super lucky though. I had a benefits program through my work that allowed me plenty of time off and discounted medication. I am fortunate enough to be Canadian, so my health care paid for basic therapy. But the shame associated with it was horrible. I was terrified people would find out that I wasn’t able to handle things, and they would think less of me. This was not the case (only one person in my life condemned me for it) and everyone else was incredible. In fact, some of the relationships in my life are much, much stronger now than they were before.

I was also fortunate enough to stumble across a program called Attacking Anxiety and Depression, which was A.MAZE.ING, and I gladly post the link above and recommend it to anyone who is having trouble and ashamed, and doesn’t want anyone to know. It’s a very anonymous way to deal with anxiety and depression.

Years later, I am a successful business owner, a wife and mother and am no longer on medication.

So, you may be wondering, what the heck does this have to do with mysteries? Nothing. Nothing at all. But if you haven’t figured it out by now, Shot In The Dark Mysteries is not all about selling murder mystery games. Today, find a Sharpie and write love on your arms. It could give encouragement to the person you would least expect.