February 2012
4 posts
6 tags
3 tags
Shirts of Hope.
Hey Guys!
So exciting stuff has been in the works for quite a while, and we’re finally ready to release it! Holding of Wrist now has *drum roll please*….. shirts!! We teamed up with District Lines to make the cheapest possible shirt, while also having a high-quality feel (printed on American Apparel)!
This is so exciting! District Lines also host merch for bands like AFI, A Lifelike...
12 tags
You're Not Alone.
I have a warning for you. College is tough. Between the homework, making new friends, trying to find your way around campus, handling your new found freedom from Mom and Dad, and everything else, you are going to get stressed! But don’t worry, college is also amazing. As a freshman at The College of William and Mary, I can attest to this. I’ve met so many new friends,...
14 tags
Self-Harm / Depression LIVE CHAT
Hey! We hope you’re having a wonderful day; But, at the same time- we know wonderful days are sometimes hard to come by. Other things can get in the way of those wonderful days, things like depression & self-harm. We know how difficult it is to struggle through depression & self-harm. Self-Harm can quickly become an addiction, and something very difficult to stop.
Sometimes you...
December 2011
4 posts
5 tags
Holding of Wrist: Year in review!
Thank you. Thank you for supporting Holding of Wrist another year, it means more than you will ever know! When I say that we wouldn’t be here without you, its the truth- we really wouldn’t.
New Start. We took all blog views back to zero and wondered if people would read.
You are beautiful.
Nominated for a Shorty Award!
We all need a break at some point. “but I feel the need...
Happy Holidays from Holding of Wrist
It’s Thursday, December 22nd, around 6, and I can hear the raindrops on the rooftop. I’ve called my sisters apartment “home” for the past few days. I Wondered around Richmond City, walked to the same 7-Eleven each morning JUST for the freedom of walking through the streets, had crappy 7-Eleven pizza with my sister,which actually wasn’t that bad, and almost had an...
9 tags
Keep Going
Depression. Grey. Dismal. Why was that all I could see? From the age of thirteen my world had been turned upside-down emotionally. I had pretend emotions, and I was severely depressed. Due to lack of friends and things that had happened when I was a child I was emotionally scarred, and was afraid to heal. Life was scary, people can hurt you, but I’ve learned something, they can also love...
9 tags
Bullying: LIVE CHAT.
Hey Guys! I’ll be leading an online Bullying Victim Support and Advocate event, alongside Blair Corbett (founder of Ark of Hope for Children) hosted by Justice For All Revolution, a live chat social support network!
It starts on Saturday, December 3rd at 8PM EST. I encourage you to create a free (and anonymous) account on Justice For All Revolution by clicking here ahead of time, and join...
November 2011
4 posts
5 tags
Story of a girl who cried a river and drowned the...
When I was in 8th grade, I was picked on a lot.. I’m still not sure why, but there were 4 guys who really hated me. That year was the first time I ever seriously considered self-harm. I continued to struggle with depression over the next few years, but never to that extent. Until last year.
My junior year of high school, 2 of the guys who made my life horrible in 8th grade decided to do so...
10 tags
10-year-old Commits Suicide
Write, delete, write, delete- It seems to be my regular pattern when I come and try to write about a story life this. It is so incredibly disappointing to me when something like this happens. And It’s even more sad that I need to post this a few days before “International Survivor of Suicide” day.
Ashlynn Conner, 10 year old honor role student in Ridge Farm Elementary School,...
4 tags
New staff / 501c3 / Stories / You're amazing
Hey Guys,
Just wanted to post a little blog because I haven’t done that in a while, and also to discuss some little updates and other exciting things!
1) Holding of Wrist is growing tremendously! It’s all growing so fast that I’m adding four more people to our staff, bringing the total staff to six people including Matthew McCaigue (Multimedia Director) and myself (Founder)!...
2 tags
Something You Don't Know
Hey Guys,
So this is a bio that a good friend of mine wrote from my perspective after having an interview with me, and I wanted y’all to read it. I must warn you, there are some things that you don’t know about me. If you have any questions feel free to e-mail jimmy@holdingofwrist.com and I’ll get back with you!
Love You Guys
-Jimmy Elliott
Founder, Holding of Wrist
Did you...
October 2011
4 posts
13 tags
Music is truly a safe escape
(If you would like to submit your life story, click “submit” above for more info)
Over the past few year, and continuously battling many issues (family abuse, friends suicides, cutting, ect). I’ve always been into music and at first when I got into it, It had helped me deal with cutting and self injury. Then for various reasons I fell out of it but met someone who helped me...
11 tags
National Coming Out Day
Hey Guys,
I wanted to first off by saying that Holding of Wrist changed our whole entire mission statement around yesterday. Please click here now to learn all the details.
Also, today is National Coming Out Day! I just wanted to post a short little blog to remind you that today is an amazing day! It’s okay to be bisexual, gay, lesbian, straight, transgendered- It’s OKAY to LOVE who...
8 tags
September 2011
6 posts
4 tags
Purpose In Life.
I’ve battled for years with multiple emotional and psychological disorders, I’ve been on meds since I was 9 years old. I’ve attempted suicide twice, been hospitalized once, and have been in and out of therapy since I was 5.
I tend to keep my problems private, mostly due to the intense stigma our society has attached to psychiatric disorders, but it’s become increasingly...
9 tags
My Reality.
Ive been thru it all-Sexually and abused since I was a child. I guess that screwed up my head. I’ve been overdosing and cutting since I can remember. I tried so many different drugs and no matter what I do, it doesn’t kill that thing on the inside. The pain, anger, resentment, shame…the negative thoughts drive me crazy. I’m tired of feeling worthless, extremely depressed,...
8 tags
TAMPA: Come SCREAM your SILENCE
I received a nice e-mail a few days ago from a girl named Tiffany with a group called “Screaming Silence”. Tiffany wants to share her story, and wants there to be people to be inspired and changed. She’ll be putting on a speech in the Tampa, Florida area on September 10th about mental health, self-harm, and suicide. Tiffany will be sharing her story, as well as answering...
6 tags
Smile, someone loves you :)
Let me just start out by saying, I do not self-abuse.
In the past year, all three of my best friends have come close to suicide, and all three of them self-harm on a semi-regular basis. Two of them were diagnosed with clinical depression, and the other continues to pretend like nothing is wrong.
I just wanted to say that spreading the word about the effects of depression and suicide attempts...
6 tags
He's been so good to me
I met a guy about four years ago and we instantly hit it off. We’ve been together for almost five years and I don’t know what I would do without him. He has helped me feel more alive and happy again.. Because of him I’ve stopped cutting and self injuring.And I’ve helped him to stop too.
We both lean on each other for support and we make a great team. When we found Holding...
3 tags
July 2011
3 posts
5 tags
UPDATE: SHOUT IT LOUD, I AM BEAUTIFUL
(This is an continuation to our blog, “Shout It Loud, I am Beautiful”. Read that first!)
Hello Everyone!
Today is supposed to be the deadline for our “Shout it Loud, I am Beautiful” project. The outcome of the project wasn’t as good as we’d hope it would be, so we’re extending the deadline a few weeks.
The new deadline is now August 28th, with the video...
6 tags
I'm Afraid of Losing Someone Else.
His name was Saran, and he lost his life on July 3rd, 2009. I talked to Saran for months before he killed himself, attempting to help him through everything. He had a really rough life; He was the victim of abuse, from his father, friends, and everyone around him. He turned towards drugs and alcohol to help, but it only caused more issues. On top of that, Sarah lost his little sister to cancer....
6 tags
SHOUT IT LOUD, I'M SO BEAUTIFUL
Hey Guys,
Its been a work in progress and I’m so excited to release this, so I’m just going to get right into it! We’re happy to release a new Holding of Wrist project called “SHOUT IT LOUD, I’M SO BEAUTIFUL!”
This will be a photo project including the supporters; It’s directed specifically at the supporters of Holding of Wrist. Without you guys, we...
June 2011
6 posts
4 tags
Turning a new lead
Growing up with a family that has had health issues, friends and family dying and getting really sick; To get over things, I did things that harmed myself, yet did not show. I didn’t want people worrying about me since they had issues with other friends and family.
I’ve come close to ending it once, even though things are harsh, I’ve saved at least 4 peoples lives growing up...
7 tags
It's not the end.
I have been struggling with cutting and I have tried four times to end my own life, each time thinking that if I take this many more pills, I will die. But, to my surprise even taking over 200 pills did not allow me to meet my grave. I do still struggle, that part is a battle never done. But, I will tell you, not to loose even the tiniest of hope you have, hold on to it. Because, no matter what...
7 tags
6 tags
New Chapter in Holding of Wrist: Continued.
*This is an continuation from “New Chapter in Holding of Wrist” posted three weeks ago, so please go read that first*
Hey Guys,
Since I posted that blog, a lot in my mind has been making more since to me. Ideas becoming plans, and radical activism become a movement. I had the wonderful opportunity to spend a week with some really cool friends of mine. This week offered me a time...
9 tags
We're Leaving.
Hey Guys,
You (the supporters) are like family to us. We strongly believe in this feeling of “family” and “community”, which is why we need to inform you of some new Holding of Wrist news.
Holding of Wrist will be completely offline from June 12th-June 18th. We will not be replying to any e-mails, facebook post s, tweets, etc. between those dates. Our facebook &...
9 tags
Rewiring Process
For 15 years, I was an undiagnosed autistic. Everyone, even my own separated parents, gave up on me. It left me with severe emotional and social stunting, depression, anxiety, and PTSD. But when I was 15, I was finally diagnosed with a barely-recognized brain disorder, which classified me as a high-functioning autistic.
I’m through with being the weird autistic in the back of the classroom....
May 2011
5 posts
9 tags
New Chapter in Holding of Wrist.
A blog from Jimmy Elliott (founder of Holding of Wrist) originally posted on his website, now posted here. We welcome you to a “new chapter in Holding of Wrist”
Hey Guys,
Let me first by explaining (if you didn’t know), that I’m the founder of an organization called Holding of Wrist. Started back in 2008 in an attempt to help others through self-injury, depression, and...
5 tags
Anxiety
I am in 8th grade and I can’t wait to go to high school. My best friend recently told me she didn’t want to be friends anymore, and now everyone we use to hang out with is on her side and its all because I found someone that makes me happy. I have had anxiety since December of last year and it leads to hostility which results in cutting and snapping rubber-bands on the wounds. I just...
5 tags
It gets better.
4 years ago, I was falling behind in school, distancing myself from friends, and hiding in my room. My mom took me to the doctor, who diagnosed me with depression. This morning, I went back to that same doctor. She gave me the best news I’ve heard in a really long time. I’m depression free. My life is great again.
If anyone ever tells you, you won’t get better, They’re...
Happy Mother's Day = will I be good enough?
HAPPY MOTHER’S DAY to all the moms.
First off, my name is Colleen Gilfoy. I was a Holding of Wrist intern a few summers ago… and I’m back. If you’d like to find me on facebook, click here. If you’d like to follow me on tumbler, click here.
ANYWAYS-
I one day hope I can impact more than just 20-somethings and such. Uh. Yeah. Maybe. Anyways, I was cycling through...
April 2011
6 posts
6 tags
Finally Done
I’ve been a cutter for about 4-5 years. I couldn’t even imagine a life without cutting. My mom was an alcoholic, and would emotionally abuse me. She’s better now, and I’m finally happy to say that I’m better too. Last week I realized I needed help for my addiction, that it was getting out of my control. I’m coming to know God and how much he loves each and...
4 tags
Thoughts never lived
When times get tough I often think life would be better if I didn’t exist in it. I still think like that, the best of times.
My family doesn’t understand how much harm they do to me every time they get mad for something I’ve done. They don’t realize the things I think about. They simply just don’t fully understand me.
But then I get to thinking I would not only be...
8 tags
It's Over Now.
I am twenty-two years old. For the past ten years, I have been a cutter. I kept it a secret for four years, and when I finally asked for help, I was called a liar. My father abused me and kept me from seeing my mother.
Throughout high school, I was teased and was sexually assaulted. I became addicted to drugs and developed eating disorders as well as cutting. Eventually, I started going to...
7 tags
5 tags
7 tags
Again
Four years ago, I was ready to kill myself. Fifth grade was finishing up, and I was wracked with anxiety and plagued with grief for my friend that had been slaughtered in his home. My immaturity and fears stopped me.
Three years ago, I was ready to kill myself. I was drinking, cutting myself again for the first time in years, lying in bed all the day and severely depressed. The sexual abuse I had...
March 2011
7 posts
6 tags
Clean & Serene for 12 months
When you first step into the rooms of narcotics anonymous, it seems like a joke. Everyone wants to hug you and speak about admitting powerlessness and finding a higher power, you pick up a white keychain that says “welcome” in gold lettering. You pick up a nice amount of clean time just to lose it months later. But that is my just my individual story, Relapse does not have to be a...
5 tags
Not committing suicide was the best decision Ive...
Im 16; I may seem like a happy girl with a good family but I’ve never felt completely happy in my own house or even in my own skin. My dad and I never got along when I was growing up emotional abuse pretty much sums it up. I started self-injuring in 2009 and have been hospitalized 5 times in 2 years in a psychiatric facility.
Suicide felt like the only way out, then I got really close with...
5 tags
All Time Low saved me.
A year ago, I was ready.
I stood on my desk as the song on my shuffled iTunes came to a close. Noose around my neck. Note on my bed. One foot off.
If ‘Running from Lions’ by All Time Low hadn’t been played, I wouldn’t be alive.
While it played, I realized that maybe there was something killing myself wouldn’t acheive. My dreams. Professional dance. Photojournalism....
2 tags
Keeping Myself Together.
I became a cutter at the age of 40. Divorced, separated from my daughter, cutting became the way I kept myself from falling apart. Only one person has ever been willing to hold me while I cried, so I didn’t want to cry. It took a few years before I trusted myself enough to cry anyway. Even so, it’s only been 10 months since I was last hospitalized. Before that, it had been 20...
4 tags
Afraid
When I was 6 I saw my dad die and all the way up to when I was 8 my mom and sister fought non-stop everyday. When I started the 5th grade I was VERY self conscious and didn’t socialize with anyone because I was afraid of what people would think of me I always wore a sweatshirt even if it was 90 degrees out because I was afraid that people would say I was fat. I was afraid to do everything...
7 tags
I'm Really Proud of Myself.
I’m 15 years old, almost 16. Last year I was diagnosed bipolar with ADD. I’ve never done well in school and I’ve failed all of my classes. When I was 5 years old I watched someone drive over my dog (he was my only friend) and I started feeling really bad because I had been bullied since I can remember.
When I was 6 I moved, but nothing changed, new kids, new teachers, new...
Another Year please?
Hey Guys,
I wanted to start off by saying a big thank you to everyone for supporting Holding of Wrist. Holding of Wrist started in 2008 with a simple plan, and today, it’s still a simple plan- Change the world. Since 2008 we’ve replied to thousands of e-mails through info@holdingofwrist.com and have created the beginnings of a website, www.holdingofwrist.com
Our yearly website fee of...
February 2011
7 posts
5 tags
God Saved Me.
I started cutting in eighth grade. A lot of my friends did it and so I tried it and it seemed like the best thing ever at first. I did it once then vowed to myself never to again. That didn’t go down well. My mother got sick soon after and things, everything started going wrong.
I began to cut again and did it for a while. My mom found out and was heart broken so I stopped. I relapsed about...