We're here to help
PurpleYoYo is a new program that aims to de-stigmatize depression and anxiety in the yoyo community, and provide assistance to those players suffering from these illnesses.
The yoyo and skill toy community has grown – and thrived – as a worldwide network of creative individuals who can easily learn new skills, connect with each other via the web, and garner acclaim in the community without leaving their own homes. As a result, this dynamic and unique subculture also attracts members who suffer from depression, anxiety, and related issues. Our goal is to lend extra support to these members of our community and help them understand that help is available, and they are not alone.
PurpleYoYo is a program of the US National YoYo League, a 501(c)3 non-profit dedicated to further the art and sport of competitive yoyo play.
We Have A Mission
Many people do not realize how common depression and anxiety are in the world, or within our community. By talking openly about these issues we can make more people aware of the help that is needed, and help more people suffering from depression & anxiety to understand that they are not alone and that there is help available. For many, feeling isolated is a crippling aspect of these diseases; by bringing them into the light we hope to foster productive conversation and prevent anyone from feeling ashamed about their struggle.
More than 350 million people worldwide suffer from depression. You are not alone.
People who suffer from mental illnesses have heard it all; from being told to “cheer up” to having their very real problems dismissed as them simply being “moody” or “dramatic”. By bringing forward the facts about depression and anxiety we hope to remove the stigma associated with these illnesses, and help those suffering from them to feel that it’s ok to ask for help, and that their problems are real and not imagined. There is no shame in needing help, and there is nothing weak about asking for it. Asking for help can be one of the hardest things in the world; we hope to make it a little easier.
PurpleYoYo will provide emotional and logistical support to members of our community who need help. Our website will feature resources for people seeking professional help, articles on coping mechanism, recent studies and breakthroughs and other relevant information as it is published, and any other resources we can provide to lend a hand to those in need. PurpleYoYo is also fundraising in order to pay for Gatekeeper training for all interested volunteers, and to provide staff, counselors, and mental health professionals at major yoyo events who can offer assistance, answer questions, and help guide people towards the professional help and resources they need.
