Love
PS I Love You Day & Creative Arts Therapy: Spreading Hope in West Islip
We’ve all felt it—that weight in our chest, the loneliness that creeps in even when we’re surrounded by people. The moments where we wonder if anyone really sees us, if anyone truly understands. PS I Love You Day exists because too many people sit in that silence, believing they are alone. But they aren’t. You are not alone.
At START Creative Arts Therapy Services, we recognize that while words can be difficult to find, expression doesn’t have to be. Through music, art, movement, and creative engagement, we help people process emotions that feel too big, too heavy, too complicated to say out loud. This is why we’re inviting our community to come together—to share the message that a brighter tomorrow begins today.
Why PS I Love You Day Matters
PS I Love You Day, held every year on the second Friday of February, is more than just a day to wear purple. It is a movement—one that encourages kindness, connection, and mental health awareness. It started in 2010 after a family in West Islip, NY lost their loved one to suicide. In response, they created a day to remind people that they are loved, valued, and never truly alone.
Over the years, PS I Love You Day has grown into a nationwide event, with schools, businesses, and communities participating by spreading awareness, initiating conversations about mental health, and fostering environments where people feel safe to share their struggles.
The Impact of PS I Love You Day
The impact of PS I Love You Day can be seen in the thousands of people who have found solace in its message.
In schools, it has helped create safe spaces for students to open up about their mental health, reducing stigma and increasing support for those who are struggling.
On social media, it has sparked conversations worldwide, bringing people together to share stories, encourage others, and remind those suffering in silence that they are not alone.
In communities, it has led to tangible changes, such as mental health initiatives, increased accessibility to resources, and advocacy for better mental health policies.
One of the most powerful aspects of PS I Love You Day is its emphasis on kindness. Simple acts—a smile, a kind word, a note of encouragement—can change the course of someone’s day. For those experiencing depression or thoughts of self-harm, knowing that someone cares can make all the difference.
The Reality of Mental Health Struggles
The need for initiatives like PS I Love You Day is undeniable. Suicide remains a devastating reality:
Suicide is the second leading cause of death for people aged 10-34 in the U.S.
Every 11 minutes, someone dies by suicide.
For every death, there are approximately 25 attempts.
Behind these numbers are real people—friends, family members, colleagues, and neighbors—who may be suffering in silence. Mental health struggles don’t always look the way we expect. People who appear high-functioning, who smile, who show up for others, may still be battling unseen pain.
That’s why initiatives like PS I Love You Day matter. They remind us to check in, to offer support, and to be the reason someone chooses to stay.
The Role of Creative Expression in Healing
Mental health isn’t just about getting through the day—it’s about finding ways to express, process, and heal. Creative arts therapy has been widely recognized as a powerful tool for mental health, offering individuals an alternative way to navigate difficult emotions when words feel insufficient.
How the Arts Support Mental Health
Art Therapy – Helps people visualize and externalize emotions, making them more manageable.
Drama & Movement Therapy – Encourages self-expression through body language and role-play, helping people explore difficult experiences in a safe space.
Music Therapy – Allows emotions to be processed through rhythm, melody, and lyrics, reducing anxiety and fostering connection.
Writing & Poetry Therapy – Provides a structured way to express thoughts and emotions, giving clarity and relief.
At START Creative Arts Therapy Services, we see firsthand how creativity can be a lifeline. Whether someone is working through grief, trauma, anxiety, or depression, engaging in creative activities allows them to process and express emotions in ways traditional talk therapy may not immediately allow.
This is why we are inviting the community to participate in the Post-It Note of Kindness Initiative, a simple yet meaningful way to spread messages of hope, encouragement, and strength.
START Creative Arts Therapy Offices at 248 Higbie Lane, West Islip, NY
Leave a Post-It Note of Kindness in West Islip
START Creative Arts Therapy Services is joining PS I Love You Day to fill our window with messages of kindness, bravery, and hope at our West Islip office.
A Brighter Tomorrow Begins Today
We are inviting the community to take one simple but powerful step:
Write a message of encouragement, a positive affirmation, or an inspiring thought.
Leave it on our designated window space at our West Islip location, creating a public display of hope.
Or scan the QR code in our window to submit a digital message, which will be transformed into a heart-shaped note and displayed alongside others.
You never know who may need to read your words. Someone walking by, someone struggling in silence, someone looking for a sign that they are not alone.
Your words matter. Let’s make this window a reflection of hope and strength.
We’ll also share select messages on social media—tag us or submit anonymously!
Starting Therapy: A Step Toward Healing
For many, mental health struggles feel overwhelming. Knowing where to start—or even whether to start therapy—can be intimidating. But seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
If you or someone you love has been considering therapy, START Creative Arts Therapy Services in West Islip offers both in-person and online therapy. Whether through traditional talk therapy or creative arts therapy, there are many paths to healing.
Getting started is simple—reach out, book a consultation, and explore what feels right for you.
How You Can Help
We’re inviting you—our community, our neighbors, our friends—to be part of this movement. Here’s how:
Wear purple on PS I Love You Day (February 14th) and share why mental health matters to you
Create something—a piece of art, a poem, a song—that reflects hope, resilience, or the importance of connection.
Scan the QR code in the window at our location to submit a virtual note that will be displayed in our window.
Reach out—whether to a friend, a loved one, or a stranger who might be struggling. A small gesture can mean everything.
A Brighter Tomorrow Begins Today
If you’re feeling lost, please know that you are not alone. If you’re struggling, reach out. If you are in crisis, there is help: 988 is the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available 24/7.
Together, through compassion and creativity, we can rewrite the narrative of isolation and despair. We can build a future where no one feels invisible.
A brighter tomorrow truly begins today—and it begins with all of us.
Join us. Share the message. Let’s make a difference.
