It Gets Better!

In September of this year, columnist Dan Savage set up a web site where users can record and post their own video surrounding the theme “It Gets Better” which is directed towards gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transsexual children and teens who are the victims of bullying. The video campaign is a response to the recent string of suicides of GLBT teens and means to offer support to all of those children and teens who are experiencing depression and anxiety due to bullying.

Here is an example of one of these videos, put together by the Trevor Project:

The Trevor Project is a nonprofit that provides a crisis and suicide-prevention hotline for gay, lesbian, bisexual, transsexual individuals who may call anonymously in all times of emergency. The Trevor Project provides support for these individuals as well as resources and guidance for parents and teachers to provide a more inclusive environment for GLBT individuals.

United Way encourages individuals to Live United by ensuring that all individuals feel safe and included in whatever climate. Please use resources such as the Trevor Project or It Gets Better to not only provide support for yourself or others, but to gain knowledge on how you can help put an end to bullying and help make all individuals feel safe and happy in their environments.

Stop the Bullying by Living United!

Recently, throughout the country a recurring issue has once again founditself in the limelight: bullying. It is something that occurs frequently, especially in schools, and can have an extremely negative effect on one's emotional health. According to a study done by Dr. Louise Arsenault of Kings College, new evidence links depresion and anxiety to those children that have been a victim of bullying. Unfortunately, depression and anxiety can lead to detrimental behaviors such as drug use, or worse, it can lead to suicide.

There has recently been a surge of suicides of children who were victims of bullying because of their sexual orientation. These tragedies have led to a nationwide campaign to stop bullying, as well as the "It Gets Better" campaign, which consists of celebrities and other individuals making videos with positive messages for the victims of these instances of bullying.

One of United Way's core focus areas is Health, which includes the emotional well-being of an individual. United Way of Southeast Delaware County has been asking individuals to 'Join the Movement' and 'Live United'. Part of 'Living United' means putting an end to bullying, and letting those who fall victim to bullying know that it DOES get better. Many nonprofits, including some of United Way's partner agencies, have programs that can offer people the emotional support they need. So if bullying is affecting you or you see it affecting someone, please do not be afraid to seek help from your United Way and other organizations.

Below are links to agencies whose purpose is to help Delaware County residents maintain their emotional-health and well-being.

Center for Resolutions: http://www.center4resolutions.org

Family Support Line: http://www.familysupportline.org

Women Against Rape: 24hr Hotline (610) 566-4342

Domestic Abuse Project: http://www.dapdc.org

Crozer Wellness CEnter: http://www.crozer.org