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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. 
Cara419 profile picture
Intro:
by Cara419
Last post
April 16th
...See more Hey my name is Cara. I am about a month clean, I've gone about a year or so then things got rough and I gave in and then I kept caving in. My husband tries to help, but sometimes it's hard for someone to help when they don't understand truly why you'd even wanna hurt yourself, y'know? So I joined this community and other communities on this app to help me through my mental struggles so that I can get help and support from people who know how it feels and how it still feels. It sounds so selfish of me for wanting to be helped, and I apologize... But I'm gonna leave this here, you guys can talk to me about whatever. I'm open to conversation.
Rhubarbseal profile picture
Trying my best in recovery :)
by Rhubarbseal
Last post
April 12th
...See more Hi my name is Sammy, I'm new here. I've struggled with self harm for 5 coming up to around 6 odd years. One thing that is good is finding myself in better positions than I was in the past. I think even when I relapse it's important to see how far I've come and not be discouraged. Luckily for me I recently got a boyfriend who is very supportive. The only thing is I'm struggling because it seems these thoughts never end, and they're always lingering. I don't want to be troubling my boyfriend even though I know he doesn't see it that way. But I think I'll take it one day at a time. I'm really sorry for anyone experiencing these urges to. You are incredibly strong. Just remember each setback isn't failure on your part. You are doing your best. Please try and reach out, even if it's confidentially to a beyond blue webchat, on those bad days. We've got this.
emotionalTalker2260 profile picture
I'm new
by emotionalTalker2260
Last post
December 3rd, 2025
...See more hi I'm emo/ talker. i've only had this app since last night. im not to sure what else im expected to say. 😢
LolitaMindWorm profile picture
Hello?
by LolitaMindWorm
Last post
June 21st, 2025
...See more Hi, my name is Lolo. I'm new here! I speak Russian, but I use an interpreter. I would like to find a friend here and chat in some messenger, like ***. I'm about to turn 17, and I've been practicing Selfhurm(?) since I was 12-13 years old... I need advice or just communication:(
Laura profile picture
First time you ever experimented with self-harm?
by Laura
Last post
June 8th, 2025
...See more Share your story here. 
ASilentObserver profile picture
Self-Harm Awareness Week: Healing Through Self-Compassion & Connection (March 6th - 10th) 🧡🧡
by ASilentObserver
Last post
March 10th, 2025
...See more Hello everyone, This week, from March 6th to 10th, we are dedicating efforts to raise awareness about self-harm 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. What to expect during the event week: - SH Support Circle Sessions: Join our inclusive support circle sessions, which are a safe space to share experiences, feel empowered, and find support. - Debunking Myths & Challenging Misconceptions: We'll be addressing common myths and misconceptions surrounding self-harm, promoting accurate information and reducing stigma. Click here to check forum discussion. [https://www.7cups.com/forum/selfharm/General_2451/DebunkingMythsChallengingMisconceptionsSelfHarm_348168/] - Understanding Coping Mechanisms: We'll emphasize that self-harm is often a coping mechanism, not attention-seeking, and explore healthier alternatives. Click here to read! [https://www.7cups.com/forum/selfharm/General_2451/UnderstandingCopingMechanismsBeyondSelfHarm_348271/]  - "How Can I Be Kinder to Myself?" A Journaling Activity: Engage in guided journaling to cultivate self-compassion and explore ways to nurture your well-being. Click here to find tips and get started!  [https://www.7cups.com/forum/selfharm/General_2451/SelfHarmAwarenessWeekALetterofSelfKindness_348268/] - Skills for Healing: We'll also explore and check in some practical skills, including distress tolerance and emotional regulation, to help manage difficult emotions and build resilience. Why You Should Join: Self-harm is a complex issue that requires understanding and compassion. By raising awareness, challenging misconceptions, and providing support, we can continue to build a community where individuals feel safe to seek help and heal. How to Participate: - Join our SH Support Circle Sessions in the Self Harm Recovery Group Chat. - Engage with our forum discussions and activities to share your experiences, insights, or encouragement to others. - Share this announcement to raise awareness and support those who may be struggling. Let's work together to promote and foster understanding, empathy, and support.
snowdogg profile picture
Unique Self Harm
by snowdogg
Last post
December 23rd, 2024
...See more I’ve been trolling this planet for a good 45 years. Thirty-eight of them have been filled with chronic pain- migraines. Because my battle has been difficult, I have at times denied my condition to enjoy life, knowing I am going to trigger debilitating pain later. This pain lasts for several hours to days. Afterward, I am usually in a f og,and I am depressed because I am recovering from such pain. I know part of my ignorance is out of spite and anger- I want to enjoy what other people do and what I want to do. At times the pain is a reminder that I hit my limits, verifying my worthiness for the cause. Other times it feels depressing because I know I am fragile. I juggle with these two paths when I say, “fuck it” I don't care about the migraine. I don't want to be in pain. I am fully aware I had more than my share. I don’t think putting myself in pain is always a bad thing just a choice to live life. But I don’t want to lose time from these choices. Time fhat cam be productive and pain free but less meaningful. While my injury isnt permanent my condidtion is permanent. I will never be free of pain (yes I tried many things). I feel that it is worse because such choices will always and forever will be split on pain. That alone drives me mad.
wintertuolis profile picture
On a journey of healing
by wintertuolis
Last post
September 13th, 2024
...See more I have been experiencing self-harm triggers last time I cut myself was 2 days ago but one of my friends and my parents saw it and gave me a lecture Since then I have been thinking of healing. I don't want to be a burden I want to be strong enough to deal with everything  and day 2 of staying clean! I didn't touch my cutter or try to harm myself 
AmyGrace55555 profile picture
New here, talking about who I am.
by AmyGrace55555
Last post
September 9th, 2024
...See more Hello, I am new to both the community and 7 cups. Although I am new, I have a lot of experience with a lot of things. Once of these things is self harm. This is something I have struggled with for about 3 years now, but I am proud to say that I have gone almost a month without any problems. If you struggle with this, know you are not alone. If you were alone in this, the community wouldn’t exist.  ------------------------- Anyways I would love to get to know everyone. How is everyone’s day going today?
lavenderWillow5089 profile picture
Hi, I'm new here! - (21M)
by lavenderWillow5089
Last post
June 10th, 2024
...See more I'm clean for 2 to 3 years now. not doing any form of self-harm since i'm successfully distracted myself. but lately, days become worse. have a lot of responsibilities and tasks i need to complete in my class at uni. feel like a ***, no friends, alone with social anxiety. maybe, it's not their faults since sometimes i'm the one who push them away to avoid me from hurting them. and i relapse.... and addicted to do SH again for everynight. I'm bad guy.
24Help1 profile picture
Oreo Game!
by 24Help1
Last post
June 8th, 2024
...See more Hello everyone! Welcome to an icebreaker! This wont be the traditional icebreaker 🤭 This will be a game! To start, answer the following questions: 1. How many Oreos would you take from a never-ending bowl? 2. How many cookies (of your preferred flavor) would you take from a never-ending plate? 3. How many strawberries would you eat from a never-ending box? Once you have your 3 numbers, add them up! What number did you get? Thats the number of interesting facts you have to share with us about yourself/your roles on 7cups! I cant wait to hear everybodys answers!
Zebrasarcastic profile picture
Guess the song! (Game for everyone!)
by Zebrasarcastic
Last post
March 18th, 2024
...See more Hey all you amazing people! *Hands obligatory coffee and cookies* So today we're starting a new game called "Guess the song!" How do we play, you ask? For starters, I'll be sharing a part of a song and you guys, girls, dudes, dudett you get the idea! Would get to guess the song! Seems simple enough right? There's a catch! Whomever guesses the right answer would get to give the next lyrics to be guessed! And it goes without saying, No Cheating! That means no googling/using lyrics guessing apps/webs etc etc etc. Here's the first one! This song has been my absolute favourite lately! I always had that dream like my daddy before me So I started writing songs, I started writing stories Something about that glory just always seemed to bore me 'Cause only those I really love will ever really know me Tagging community: @12kirby12 @1Disawsum @23Lotus @24Help1 @Accentus @AdamantlyFree @addierus @admaiorasemper @akagmai97 @Akor1 @AlexanderSpamilton @allnaturalBerry @amandaa6360 @Ambitiousthinker7178 @anabellamia1189 @anasierra @AndyDove1018 @AndyKade1018 @Antisocial5864 @Aphrodite11 @ArriaAna @arrowsgoforward @Aryspencer15 @asheroo92 @AThingCalledPax @AugustaGeorgia @AuroraBorealis12 @Autismaunt14 @awesumturtlesz @Ayeeitsnotme @babybatman @Babycakex @badoinkitydoop @BandBeed100201 @bandnerd1002 @BandNerd100201 @bear228 @beniba08 @Bethfarmer @BipolarGrrl @Birdie998 @BisexualVirgo2023 @black1995 @Blackk1tten @BlamingParadox @Blcrss28 @blissedNblessed @Bloom97 @Boi @breezy @bribri20 @Brokentopieces356 @Brxcken @bubblzdancr @bugggy @Bugggy @BunnieLuv @butterflyPessimist @CaringBrit @CaringWater @Carrot20 @casscub @cassie03 @Catlover456 @caylaig6295 @Centremid @Charly @Charmingbeauty55 @Chels2002 @Chester77 @chillingwave01 @CinematicEnd @ClassicAnonymous17 @cocoafp191 @compassionaterainbow1479 @CoNfIdEnCe1 @conscientiousOwl7693 @ConsiderateSea95 @CoolCuke @Creativepig @Dachs @Daenerys03 @Daisy @Dany @DaysiaKelly @delicateWindow53 @demonicangel @diamonddepree @DiscreetBeach2458 @discreetowl14 @discreetSkies9236 @Discretegrapes8490 @dispost @Drummermattrocks @DyingPetals @dynamicHemlock1736 @earthangel222 @earthkid @easyMap6620 @Ediexo @ElephantTiger1 @ElizabethEon @elle1508 @Ellewoods24 @ellie455 @emily0303 @emmadancer @energeticApricot2459 @Eny0 @epitium @Erato @Evanora @EvilRegalsReadToo @exuberantRaspberries1213 @fairmindedRaspberries1389 @FallenStar2 @farahadell @FeathersOfJay @FindingPeaceWithin1 @FloweringBunny @fluffystuff @FranklyMaple @franky2OO0 @FrenchMarbles @fullm00n @funfettifrosting @Funfettifrostingi @funnyAcres8364 @funnybanana4728 @gayisok101 @generousKiwi8190 @Gin @GodOnlyKnows51 @Godsbae @goldenSummer1903 @GoneLikeAnAngel @Greg40 @grej @HannahO11 @HelpfulAid @heyitsalli @HeyItsMish @HiddenShadows @hockey8628 @Hope2come @humorousBeing8966 @HunHansGirl @IfKpopWasPunk @Imaginativa2930 @imsorryitry @Independenttangerine @IndigoRoses @InkyOwl @InspiringLee @intellectualCake2509 @intellectualHuman6814 @IntelligentWheel627 @Ismokereed @Itinerarium @ItsReganingRain @ivoryPenguin3999 @Iwannaliveanddream @iwishuwell @Jamie14 @Jashboi226 @Jennaray536 @Jenny34 @JinglesJudy @JohnCephas @juddskittycat @justkeepswimming7301 @JustThatAlien @KaidinJ @KayaBearz @kgyt0918 @Kiwi16 @Krispykitty12 @laicrose @Lasagna1 @LauraB1996 @Leanna @LetMeHeatItOut2 @Lexloveslife @Lilbabygirl @limegreen002 @LinearWaves @listenermegs @Littleblu @live2die1 @liztheloser123 @LooneyArtimus @LostInTheWorldT @Love4all525 @LoveableLesbian @LovelyAnathema @Lovelydovee @LoveYaGod @LycheeBoba @Madaraismyspiritanimal @Maddheda @Mads @MandaGPanda @marala11 @mariaquiiroga @Marissa1031 @mayaaaaaaa @Maypanic11 @minitigriss @MinMIn922 @Miraculousiris31 @Misfitzombie012 @MissGoodby99 @MJLV98 @modestCat9806 @Moosewithducks @MysteryAnn @mytwistedsoul @naturalWillow84 @navyBlueberry2704 @NevaehRose @neverendingwaves @Nola1818 @noselfesteemloser101 @notanange @notmyselftoday @NotQuiteBlue @novareckenstein153 @otto123 @Outoftear @panwithnoplan @pastellexoxo @paytonfaye2003 @Peachkitten5883 @Penguin5921 @peoplej1997 @PessimisticHuman @pinkThinker6194 @plushOasis77 @politeHouse5612 @Popa @porter2927 @pumpkinpi @PunkyKitty @purpleButterfly24 @purplesnail @QueerChristianTeen @Quietcat2549 @quietman4875 @QuirkyAnne @RabbitTangerine @rainysierra27 @RALC20589 @raspberryMoon5394 @rationalComputer3503 @RAWR3 @ReallyNotOkay @rebecca947 @Redhawk6547 @Reesespeauntbuttercup @rexpeter99 @rlpsgf @Ropes24 @rosenova1513 @Roseutopia @rosewater10 @SadAFSeth @Sadgirlforever @SadUnicorn5270 @sailorelix @SaintClrStudent @samgroves02 @Saskianite @selfconfidenceTangerine1778 @sewmachine @Sewmachine @sgraceroe @ShadowTag @shymelody @Sierra56 @Silentguitarist @sillyavocado @SimpleMe12 @SisterRaven @Skafa1214 @Skyla @Skyy0 @slytherinstarling123 @Snowangels48 @Softhearted975 @softlysolitude @soniatel @SpaceyCasey @stellaadaviss @stellaluna04 @Stitch8989 @strangebagel @StrangeClarity @strawberrmilk @suling1986 @Survivor108 @TeresaGreninja91 @TheAtticusFinch @Thegirlwithabrokensmile @TherealJake @Tommy38 @Totallovatic @TransWolf @Truth22 @turquoisePine1459 @twentyonepilotsclique @Twitch98 @Twotonnetable @Veerlexm @vikingwolf802 @VividDreamer @Waveywoop @WhiteWolfIdiot @willowgreen22 @Winterisnotmyseason @WitchySalem @WonderfulHart1330 @Xirin @XwonderlandgirlX @Yolo @youandmesohappily @Yovela @Zammn Tagging team: @24Help1 @admaiorasemper @bear228 @FallenAngelicc @GrahZeymahzin @PurpleSnail @rebecca947 @redmark @RicochetJaguar @TortueDesBois @CaringBrit @shaunnxx1

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!