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Jenna profile picture
Things no one tells you about Self-Harm: Trigger Warning
by Jenna
Last post
 September 5th
...See more Everyone mentions the same things when they talk about self-harm. This is what I wish someone told me about self-harm before I fell into its tight gripping claws. 1) It's not only the cuts/bruises/burns/scratches that you have to hide. You have to hide the bloodied tissues, the used band-aids, the band-aid wrapper, and the thing you used to harm. 2) When you shower the dried blood drips out of your band-aid and down your body creating little dark red, almost brown, colored streams. It scares you at first because you think it's opened again. 3) It becomes an addiction. It becomes the only thing that helps. 4) It eventually doesn't help anymore but you keep doing it in the hope it will. 5) Your body will scar and at first, you will like it but eventually, you get sick looking at them. 6) On a bad day, you run out of space. 7) Your band-aids will soak through your jeans or top after a shower and make an obvious square or rectangle patch. 8) They start to smell bad if not looked after. 9) You constantly think about them. 10) Your sleep will hurt and every move you make will too when they are fresh. You act as you like it. You don't. 11) People will never take it seriously enough. 12) They itch like mad whilst they heal. 13) You eventually get frustrated if it has no effect. 14) You don't cry when you do it. You feel nothing. Not. A. Thing. 15) It's so so so hard to escape it. 16) It isn't beautiful. It isn't a fairy tale. It won't help you find love. It is a monster that ruins lives. Please think of all these things before you hurt yourself. You don't want to. I sound like a hypocrite because I do but trust me, you don't want to fall down the dark hole that I and many other people are already in. Put down your fist, blade, lighter, cut your nail short, and get help.
ASilentObserver profile picture
Self-Harm Awareness Week: A Letter of Self-Kindness
by ASilentObserver
Last post
 September 1st
...See more Hello everyone,  This week, from March 6th to 10th, we are dedicating efforts to raise awareness about self-harm [https://www.7cups.com/forum/selfharm/WelcomesIntroductionsIcebreakers_253/SelfHarmAwarenessWeekHealingThroughSelfCompassionConnectionMarch6th10th_348138/]and foster a safe, supportive space for healing. Our theme, "Healing Through Self-Compassion & Connection," explores the importance of understanding, empathy, and practical tools for navigating difficult emotions. This exercise is part of it, and I hope you all try it.  We invite you to participate in a meaningful exercise: A Letter of Self-Kindness.  It is your safe space to express *any* feelings you have, whether positive, negative, or somewhere in between and focus on being kinder to yourself in your words. Please know there are no rules here.  You need to be honest, be vulnerable, and be you.  It is more about connecting with yourself and fostering a more mindful and kind relationship with yourself. You can do it in two ways:  1. Take a piece of paper and pen and write a letter to yourself. And let us know if you did it here in this thread and how it makes you feel.  2. If you are comfortable sharing your letter with us, you can share it here in this thread, and we all can reflect and further discuss it as you feel comfortable.   3. Anyone can do this exercise, and it is not limited to the ones who struggle with SH.  Some tips to get started * Address Yourself with Compassion: Begin your letter with a gentle and kind address, such as "Dear [Your Name]," or "To My Heart," or "To the Part of Me That Needs Kindness." * Start by acknowledging the challenges you have faced. You might write something like: "I know you've been going through a tough time," or "I see the pain you're carrying." * Write words of encouragement and support to yourself. Remind yourself that you are worthy of kindness and compassion. Whether you choose to share it with us or keep it private is entirely up to you.  We are simply here to encourage and support you on this journey of self-kindness and acceptance. Who's ready to write their letter?  Let's begin
ASilentObserver profile picture
Shine Bright: I am SH-free for ____ Days
by ASilentObserver
Last post
 September 1st
...See more Well done! 💪✨  (Number) days free from self-harm is a significant accomplishment.  Please take a moment to acknowledge your strength and resilience and celebrate with us. Here are a few points to reflect on and celebrate:  * What helped you stay strong these past few days? Was it a specific coping mechanism, a supportive person, or a personal mantra? Share your tips to inspire others. * What positive changes have you noticed since being SH-free? Maybe you have more energy, better sleep, or a renewed sense of hope. Reflect on the progress you've made. * What are you looking forward to in the future? Use this milestone as a springboard for setting new goals or focusing on activities you enjoy. * Write a message to your future self: What words of encouragement would you tell yourself for the days ahead? Start sharing with us. We believe in you. 
emsworld profile picture
What Helps You Pause During Difficult Moments
by emsworld
Last post
 August 17th
...See more Hello💜 Today I found myself thinking about how important those small “pause” moments can be when things feel overwhelming. Sometimes it’s a grounding technique, sometimes it’s reaching out to someone, and sometimes it’s simply taking a breath and giving ourselves a moment of space. These pauses can be incredibly powerful in recovery, even if they feel small. I'd love to hear some of your examples of what helps you pause during these moments!😊 “What are some things that help you pause when you’re having a difficult moment?” It could be a grounding tool, a comforting thought, a distraction, or anything that helps you slow things down. I’ll also share some of mine below. I look forward to hearing your messages💜 ------------------------- Emma
cheerfulKiwi1776 profile picture
Talking about self harm without embarrassment
by cheerfulKiwi1776
Last post
 June 23rd
...See more Self-harm is something many people struggle with. And it should NEVER be something to be embarrassed of. Many people struggle with self harm and many of them feel embarrassed to talk about it. Many are ashamed and many dont want to be judged. This SHOULD change. People who have self harmed or still are self harming doesn't mean that they are thinking of suicide.  Its their coping mechanism. Not a healthy one but their coping mechanism. All of us should be supporting those people.  The goal of this forum post is for everyone to share their thoughts, questions, stories, concerns and whatever related to self harm. Always feel free to text me and Always feel free to talk about self harm: its not something you should be embarrassed of. Take care and be safe ✨️
cheerfulKiwi1776 profile picture
How long are you "clean"? If you aren't what is keeping you back?
by cheerfulKiwi1776
Last post
 June 6th
...See more Hello everyone. This forum post is for all those people self harming. * How long are you "clean"? How much time did it pass till the last time you self harmed? * If you are still self harming: what is keeping you back? All of you answer those 2 questions sincerely! Don't be afraid! Share your story!  And let's all of us congratulate those people for fighting and trying their own battles! Well done!
kindcherry2 profile picture
Check -in
by kindcherry2
Last post
 October 28th, 2025
...See more How is everyone doing?
Tsuk profile picture
My SH then and now
by Tsuk
Last post
 September 21st, 2025
...See more Hi, TW // self harm different ways mentioned. I’m just feeling the need to share my story till now, and experience.  I learned recently that self harm is very wide and many things go under it. I still started with cutting, i guess, by copying it because this was what others did. It never had meaning or relief to me so i stopped. Maybe i was stressed out and was trying to find coping ways my copyng others. Also because self harm is romanticized and it was kind of cool(don’t blame me, it’s stupid) and i think i did seek for attention with it, what everyone always says it for sure is not for. Well then i thought i was clean. But turns out i can be doing it in so many ways. So yeah, i’m still doing it. Now with emotional or mental things, or mostly banging my head when things get much. Or eating less for reasons. These forms of SH feel like less serious. Atleast to me. Like they are taken less seriously. Like maybe they’re just habits or whatever…? Right? (For me i do hurt myself with it. But i feel like it is taken and i myself take it easier than hurting skin in any way).  Yeah. I just wanted to write it out. Discuss it with me and maybe with someone else out there who reads it. 💗🫂🦔u got this. It’s okay.
resourcefulZebra2151 profile picture
Tired
by resourcefulZebra2151
Last post
 June 13th, 2025
...See more It's been about a month since I last self harmed, I hid the marks from my partner because I didn't want them to know I broke my promise. That promise is the only thing that stops me from doing it again and lately it's getting harder to rationalize why breaking that promise again would be a bad thing. I can't talk to my family about this and my partner would only see this as a problem that I'm asking them to fix. I'm getting tired of carrying this, it's lonely and I'm not sure talking about it would even help but at this stage, what could it hurt?
basilpilled profile picture
ohhh the itching
by basilpilled
Last post
 December 10th, 2024
...See more TW!! stay safe!! 👽 i think i have a sorta twisted fascination for wanting to cut myself. i started wayyy back in early middle school and im an adult now., everytime i think im finally over it, i relapse. i can be months clean and suddenly something ticks me off and everything repeats itself. its so lame.. and its also tricky because sh is such a sensitive topic that i really dont talk to anyone about it. like yeah my friends see the scars but i dont expect them to. do anything about it. thats not their job. im not clean rn but ive been fighting really really hard not to make it worse.,. my brother left for college recently and he was the only one in my house i could really talk to, so its been super isolating. isolation is more alone time for me to have these gross fascinations that i just cant stop. anywayy…! apologies for the mindless rambling. hope everyone is doing their best 
inventiveAcai2075 profile picture
Lost my listener
by inventiveAcai2075
Last post
 June 21st, 2024
...See more I was chatting with a wonderful verified listener, he was really wonderful. I talk to him about my selfharm and anxiety, He really helps me calm down when having urges to relapse. But today I noticed his content are removed, it is like losing a friend
PaulaUp profile picture
How to move beyond triggers and deal with root poblem
by PaulaUp
Last post
 May 9th, 2024
...See more Hi,  Trigger warning,  Just trying to put down my thoughts and feelings....  I used to self harm about 7 years ago for around a year. I don't really remember the details. It was quite bad. It's always stayed with me. Even now when people see my scars and ask about them I don't know how to talk about it. Somehow I managed to stop, I don't really remember how. Then I relapsed twice or so a few years ago but not fully because I couldn't stand the blood anymore. It didn't "help" me like it used to. I had learned other coping skills that stopped me from doing it.  Over the last year or so I guess I felt like SH again. And I guess I did "different forms" (other than cutting) that aren't as noticeable and "less" harmful to the body. But still there was self-loathing and frustration and helplessness. I mostly manage to keep myself from doing anything most of those few times I feel like SH.  But I realised that the triggers have changed, and I don't know how to deal with that. I don't know how to deal with difficult emotions and conflict especially those that involve other people. I've found there is a deeper meaning behind the triggers and that there MUST be a way to resolve them.... I just haven't figured it out yet...
Kristynsmama profile picture
Weekly Check in 4.14.24
by Kristynsmama
Last post
 April 28th, 2024
...See more
CPO2000 profile picture
admitting you need help
by CPO2000
Last post
 March 26th, 2024
...See more i think the hardest thing is admitting you need help. after a while you start to know when your spiralling and when you’ve gone beyond coming back by yourself. but who the *** do you ask? your parents and friends and family say they are there to help but they do not understand. how do you say enough is enough. and how do you get support. waiting lists are long. there’s not many services that offer therapy. something happened to me not so long ago, but no one this there no one knows how much i’m struggling
CalmWaves3939 profile picture
🌺 Self-Harm Recovery 🌺 March Check-In 🌺
by CalmWaves3939
Last post
 June 21st, 2023
...See more 🌺 Hello, Self-Harm Recovery Community! 🌺 March is already here! 💖 So let's do a lighthearted Check-in! 🌸 🌷How is March going so far? 🌷How have you been feeling? 🌷What is your favourite food? This can be a snack or a full meal. 🌷Would you prefer weekly or monthly check-ins? Weekly will be 1-2 questions each week, or monthly is 3-4 questions each month 😊 I can't wait to hear all your responses! ⭐️🌺 Click here [https://www.7cups.com/forum/SelfHarmRecovery_65/WelcomesIntroductionsIcebreakers_253/AutomatedSHRTaglist_218434/] to be added/removed from the Self-Harm Recovery Tag list!

Hello, and welcome to the Self-Harm Recovery Subcommunity! It’s great to have you here, and we are proud of you for making the first brave step in reaching out for support. This is our supportive, safe and friendly environment, and we are glad to have you here 😃. Feel free to direct any questions to the appropriate leader of our community, which you can find at the bottom of the about section. ⭐️

🌟 Feel free to say hello and introduce yourself! Or if you want to just browse for now that is okay too! Take your time. We have several topics in our community such as the goals and success corner, recovery zone, support area and much more! Please use the relevant topic where appropriate so we can keep our community organised🌟

🌟 Please make sure to read through our community guidelines and browse our resources available 🌟

🌟 To join our community leadership team feel free to look through Here for the requirements and apply to join our team 🌟

🌟 Again, thank you for joining our community, and we look forward to seeing your progress on your journey! If you have any questions, please reach out to the relevant leader 😊

Community Guidelines

These guidelines are inspired by some communities around 7 cups! This is so we can adapt our little family to accommodate as many different life experiences and situations as possible. We recognize we cannot adapt to every circumstantial rule. However, we have outlined some of the common guidelines needed for our community. ❤️

✪ Please do not share any graphic images or descriptions of self-harm tools!

✪ Please do not mention the name of any tools used for self-harm in any area of the self-harm recovery community.

✪ Names of methods of self-harm are allowed to be shared in the group support room, but where possible please try to exchange a method name for the phrase "self-harm".

✪ When mentioning methods of self-harm or potentially triggering details of another topic in the forums, please put a trigger warning at the top of the post so people are able to click away from the post if they would like to. Additionally, please try to find an appropriate place within our forums to make your post. Certain areas are reserved for specific content, so please consider this when making your post.

✪ Pro-self-harm content will not be tolerated!

✪ Please be respectful to everyone, members and listeners alike.

✪ Remember, everyone's experiences are different. Please do not undermine or invalidate anyone's situation because it is not what most would consider "normal". We are a diverse community and have people from many backgrounds, so please always be respectful!

✪ General kindness, courtesy, and etiquette are heavily appreciated!

Read the 7 Cups Guidelines