New Movie Talks About Youth Self-Harming: To Write Love on Her Arms

Film sheds light on prevalence of self-injury in young men and women

March 30, 2015: Placing a spotlight on the important topics of self-harm, addiction, and mental health concerns, Sony Pictures Entertainment is releasing the film, To Write Love on Her Arms, in limited theaters throughout the United States. This film is based on the true story of a young woman who battles mental illness, addiction, and the compulsion to self-harm. Her story becomes one of hope after she commits herself to the recovery process and becomes surrounded by a community of individuals who support and encourage her continued recovery.

The title of the movie comes from the non-profit organization of the same name. To Write Love on Her Arms is an organization that was developed in an attempt to inspire, encourage, and create hope for people who struggle with depression, addiction, self-injury, and suicidal ideation. Additionally, this organization is dedicated to raising money to help individuals who are in need of finding treatment and recovery so that they can heal from the concerns that plague them.

Sadly, self-harm is something that millions of people throughout the world struggle with on a daily basis. While it is impossible to know the true prevalence of these behaviors because they most often occur in private, it has been estimated that one in five women and one in seven men purposely inflict pain onto themselves in some manner. In regards to youth, approximately 10 percent of adolescents between the ages of 12 and 18 are said to have experimented with self-injury and one in every 200 girls between the ages of 13 and 19 is estimated to injure herself on purpose on a regular basis.

Unfortunately, the prevalence of these behaviors often remains unnoticed, ultimately perpetuating the epidemic. In light of the release of this movie, there is the hope that the story will make people talk; that it will give people the push they need to either speak out about their struggles or will give concerned loved ones the voice they need to confront those in their lives who they feel may be struggling these types of concerns.

“Movies like To Write Love on Her Arms are so encouraging because it gives people who struggle with these concerns a sense of solace in knowing that they are not alone in the trials that they face. By simply seeing stories like this on a big screen, it can inspire people to seek help because they feel less shame after learning that others share similar struggles.” Heidi Taylor, LPC, Trauma and Abuse Counselor: Mt. Regis Center.


About Mount Regis Center

Mount Regis Center is a community-focused center, providing inpatient, residential and detox treatment programs, located in Salem, Virginia. As a leader in addiction treatment, our goal is to provide the highest quality of care for men and women, who are struggling with drug and alcohol abuse and addiction. Each patient receives individualized care in a safe, comfortable environment, while working towards recovery. For more information on the drugs we treat and programs offered, visit or call 800.477.3447.