Let's Move Cities

If I Die Young started in 2014 as a clothing line founded by Kevin Barnett. The idea was to help teens in need, whether it was to help those struggling with depression, addiction, or even by fundraising for families of teens who’ve passed away. Yet as more and more companies and organizations pop up devoted to raising awareness about mental illness, Kevin stated in an interview with BANDWIDTHCULTURE that “If I Die Young aims to challenge the taboo that our society has regarding [speaking] about mental illness, depression, suicide and addiction.” He states that by encouraging everyone to live transparently and claims that starting the conversation will become the first step towards fighting this stigma. Rather than joining forces with another company, Kevin realized that although If I Die Young shares the same goals as others, the company had a different voice and vision. “We can reach a different group of individuals to build our family,” Kevin explained. “If I Die Young, is built on perspective and transparency.”

In December, If I Die Young will be holding a special winter festival with Molly Hudelson, founder of the music website Circles & Soundwaves. “I ran across Molly's page and saw that she had been a photographer on Warped Tour, and it seemed like we had many of the same goals in mind. Molly talks very openly about situations and struggles in her past and how they have come to change her perspective, and that is exactly the idea of our benefit show ‘Let’s Move Cities’.” Kevin said about teaming up with Molly. “I am so glad to have someone as strong as her on board to help put this event together. “ Kevin said.

After being contacted by Kevin via Facebook, Molly was very keen on jumping on board to partake in such an awe inspiring event. “I've [personally] dealt with depression, anxiety, and self-harm […] and while I've been lucky enough to have access to treatment, I still faced the stigma and taboo- being afraid to bring things up in conversation, being told I'd never get a job or no one would want to be my friend or that I should be ashamed of people finding this out about me.” She explained in an interview with BANDWIDTHCULTURE. “Any organization that combines music and speaking up about mental health is something I can get behind. Music has been the biggest thing that's helped me through everything.” Being able to call a live show “home” is something that a lot of teens can relate to.

Let’s Move Cities will be held on the 13th of December at the Foxhole Lounge in Berkeley Heights, New Jersey. The festival will feature music by Kevin Burke, Dreamers Like Us, Something More, and In Theory. “I tried to pick bands that I knew were good people and that- regardless of genre- were passionate about what they do.” Molly stated. What’s more, all the artists slated to perform are also doing this on their own dime. For everyone that has ever struggled, Let’s Move Cities is going to be a huge event filled with great music, guest speakers, raffles. Teen Challenge, a drug addiction treatment center from Pennsylvania, will also be setting up to help friends and family members start the discussion for their teens struggling with addiction to get help. Kevin even stated that if you know someone who really needs to be at the show, you can contact them and they will cover the admission price.

No one should ever feel alone. There is hope, and there is help. No matter how you are feeling, there is always someone that you can turn to. Let’s Move Cities, is going to be one of the most important events that could happen for this generation. “This is a night of hope, support, and community,” explains Molly. “I hope everyone who attends the event, walks away feeling welcomed, loved, supported and accepted.”

Although there are times when the world looks dark and you are ever feeling down or like you are alone, please follow the advice Kevin gave Cody, a friend he made in college, and write a list. Write down your every reason for living, your every uncompleted dream, no matter how hard it may seem to achieve. Imagine what your life would be without the pain, what are the first things you see yourself doing. It can be helpful to refer to this list when you’re feeling suicidal, as you can lose focus on the positive aspects of your life and concentrate only on the pain you’re experiencing. Your list can remind you of these positives you may have forgotten and remind you what you’re working towards. People you can talk to when you’re feeling suicidal. Include their names and contact details, and make sure you have back-ups.

A list of things you can do that help you feel calm, comforted, and inspired. Utilize these activities when you’re feeling stagnant.

A list of all the people you would HONESTLY affect if you were to die today. Try asking for an outside perspective on this one, someone who knows you well, and you feel comfortable with. Depression is a disgusting virus, and it feeds off our negativity; it becomes impossible to notice anyone cares at all. From experience, a friend will be able to recount twice as many names as you. Names of lives that you have truly impacted. Most likely, your friend will remember names and situations from the past you would never remember in your current state of mind; it always feels good to be reminded – that no matter how insignificant we feel, we have already permanently changed the world in our own unique way.

If you or someone you know is suffering from depression, suicidal thoughts, self-harm, or drug addiction you can reach out to If I Die Young at http://www.ifidieyoung.org or the various sites/numbers listed below.

http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/ 1-800-273-TALK (8255) http://lifelineforattemptsurvivors.org/ https://www.imalive.org/ http://www.7cupsoftea.com/ 1-800-DON'T-CUThttp://www.selfinjury.com 1-877-332-7333 – Real Help For Teens' help line http://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline 1-800-662-HELP (4357)