Bullying is using words or actions to hurt someone on purpose. It usually happens repeatedly over time, and it can be hard to stop. Bullying behaviors include ridicule, threats, rumors, embarrassment, taunts, intimidation, hate speech, assault, and sexual harassment. It can happen anywhere: at school, in the community, or online (cyberbullying). For more information on what bullying looks like, check out these blog posts: Why You Bully Me: An Insider’s Perspective on Bullying How to Deal With Cyberbullying: 3 Habits to Learn

How to help someone with depression?

People with depression need support. You can make a difference in someone’s life by letting them know you’re there, you care, and you’re in their corner. If you think someone you know is struggling with depression, share your concern. You don’t have to know the “right” thing to say or give any advice. Just be present. Listen without judgment. Ask how you can help, and let the person know that they are important and valued. Your support may be exactly what they need to get through. If you are concerned that someone may be in danger of hurting themselves or others, get immediate help. Tell a trusted adult, call 911, or contact the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255. For more information, check out our blog post on Suicide Prevention: 5 Action Steps to Prevent Suicide.

How to deal with depression?

Sometimes people with depression are encouraged to “just snap out of it.” But depression is an illness, not a choice. It requires treatment and support. The symptoms of depression, such as sadness, lack of energy, and difficulty concentrating, also make it hard to manage. The things that can help you feel better are often the hardest things to do. Start small and remind yourself that the first step is usually the hardest one. Some steps you can take to feel better in the moment include: Reach out. The most important thing is to remember that you are not alone. People with depression often feel ashamed or isolated. But people care about you and want to help. Asking for help does not mean you are weak or a burden. So tell a trusted family member or friend what you are experiencing. If you can’t or don’t feel comfortable, connect online, or call a crisis line: National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741 to connect with a crisis counselor. Do something to make yourself feel good. Even if you feel like you’ve lost interest in the things you once enjoyed, try doing them. Whether that’s listening to music, doing art, writing, being with a pet, taking a walk, or playing a game, you may find something that helps boost your mood. Take care of your body. It’s easy to neglect your self-care when you’re depressed. Make sure you are eating well, drinking enough water, getting adequate rest, and exercising. Try to get some fresh air and sunlight. Find ways to manage stress, such as deep breathing, stretching, and other relaxation exercises. If at any time you feel like you’re in danger of hurting yourself or others, get immediate help. Go to a trusted adult, call 911 or a crisis line, or get to an emergency room. Your Free2Luv Family is always here to support you. Suicide Prevention: 5 Action Steps to Prevent Suicide.

What does depression feel like?

Depression is characterized by long-lasting feelings of sadness, hopelessness, emptiness, and/or a loss of interest and pleasure. It’s not the same thing as feeling sad once in a while. People with depression may experience difficulty sleeping or concentrating, changes to their appetite, weight loss or gain, low energy, prolonged feelings of guilt or worthlessness, and intrusive thoughts of self-harm or suicide. Depression is real, and it’s serious. It’s the most common mental illness, affecting over 10% of adolescents and young adults. But fortunately, it is treatable. 80% of people with depression begin to feel better within six weeks of starting treatment. But only about half of those affected ever get treatment. That’s why it’s so important to speak openly about mental health and reduce the stigma surrounding depression and other illnesses. For more information, check out this blog post: What Does Depression Feel Like?

How does anxiety affect life?

You may have heard people say anxiety is “all in your head.” But anxiety is real, and it can interfere with your ability to enjoy and fully experience your life. Physical symptoms of anxiety include rapid heartbeat or breathing, tightness in the chest, upset stomach, sweating, headache, muscle tension, and insomnia. Mental anxiety symptoms include excessive worry, intrusive or unwanted thoughts, fear, irritability, difficulty concentrating, and restlessness. Everyone experiences anxiety a little differently, but one thing is certain: you don’t have to suffer in silence. Learn more about living with anxiety.

Musical Empowerment Tour | Help Us Impact 8,000 Youth

85% of youth suffer from low self-esteem and 1 in 5 experience mental illness. What if every one of these children knew that someone believed in them? 10-year-old Free2Luv Advocate Marley Mac does and she created ‘BELIEVE’ to make sure her peers know it!

Marley Mac is an amazing young woman who is passionate about spreading kindness and being a positive influence on kids everywhere. Two year ago, she started Better Together Initiative to support the causes she cares about and encourage youth volunteerism.

Marley successfully created the UNLONELY Project last year servicing approximately 8,000 students and she has another BIG dream and she needs all of our help.

😫 1️⃣out of 3️⃣ kids WILL get bullied🧐 ONLY 1️⃣ out of 5️⃣ kids will talk to an adult😭 BULLYING affects 5️⃣ out of 5️⃣ of us. 💥We are #Challenging you to #Donate💥 $ 1️⃣ $3️⃣ or $5️⃣ to help us with our mission to change these numbersWe have a BIG DREAM and we can’t do it without you! We’re collaborating with empowerment nonprofit Free2Luv and the talented musicians of The One Voice Project to bring our BELIEVE musical assembly to our community schools this Spring and every dollar donated will bring us closer to helping our peers believe in themselves. We really appreciate your support. Donate here https://www.paypal.com/fundraiser/charity/117693 and remember, we are #BETTERTOGETHER! Oh, and we want to acknowledge every donor with a special thank you shout-out so please let us know in the comments below when you donate. Thanks for ROCKIN’ LUV with us! #Friendsdontletfriendsbully**Business sponsorships are available. PM us or Free2Luv for details**
Posted by The Better Together Initiative on Saturday, March 7, 2020

This year, Marley is partnering once again with the fabulous youth musicians from The One Voice Project and Free2Luv to bring BELIEVE, a musical empowerment event to her community. BELIEVE will launch this Fall for a week long tour entertaining and engaging several schools throughout Myrtle Beach from elementary to high school and impacting over 8,000 students.

Every donation will bring us one step closer to fulfilling her dream to bring kindness to the classroom through music and the arts.

Your support will bring Free2Luv Music Ambassador Kayla Lynn and The One Voice Project to Myrtle Beach to empower, uplift, and engage youth through music and storytelling. The event showcases a powerful set of message-driven popular music, while addressing topics pertinent to today’s youth — self-acceptance, anxiety, depression, overcoming adversity, bullying, the importance of kindness, racism, self-esteem, and goal development — from a peer perspective.

We invite you to be a community game changer and let our youth know we are investing in their future. We BELIEVE we are STRONGER TOGETHER.

HELP US IMPACT 8,000 YOUTH!

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