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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. 
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.
gregariousNickel1182 profile picture
Please help me reach out for support
by gregariousNickel1182
Last post
 June 29th
...See more TLDR; I need help reaching out to my boyfriend for support. This is my first post so I apologize in advance for anything that might be off.  For some context, I've been struggling with sh for almost 5 years now (wow I hadn't actually counted before) and the most I've ever been clean for is 87 days, so its really been a battle for me. I never really reached out for support, until I told my roommate about two years ago. She freaked out and removed everything sharp from the room, including rounding out any sharp edges on things. This reaction really scared me and I didn't tell anyone else except for my other closest friend at the time, but he never really cared and we dont really talk anymore after that. About 6 months after that my parents found my scars and sat me down to talk about them, but I was terrified since they're Hispanic parents who don't really think mental health is all that huge, since my life has been easy. I lied and told them I only scratched, and then any time after that when they would ask I would lie and say I was clean. Cut to about a year after that, I told my ex boyfriend (boyfriend at the time) and he didn't really care. It was really difficult for me to say and I was actually in tears telling him since I really needed support since I had relapsed, but we never spoke of it again. That relationship was not a good one and looking back it was toxic and didnt help at all when I was already struggling.  Fast forward to now, I've really been going through it all of summer break, although I'm not formally diagnosed with anything I can only describe this last month as a horrid depressive episode, where I've had zero energy or motivation and frequent panic attacks. So, I relapsed again near the beginning of june, after which I was able to stay clean for 17 days. Then, yesterday, I relapsed again and cut until i ran out of space on my hips, which was kind of a wakeup to stop. Then again this afternoon, and again tonight.  I want to get better from this, so I've decided to reach out for support from my current boyfriend. He's very understanding when it comes to mental health, as he also struggles with anxiety and depression, and once even sh, but he's come a long way in his recovery and I'm not, so I'm scared ill impact his mental health negatively and send him back. I previously had mentioned to him (a few months ago) that I was 50 days clean from sh and didn't really know who to tell besides him (this was before we were dating) and he congratulated me and said he was so proud of me, and that I could always talk to him. I also have mentioned recently that I've been going through a rough time, but didn't really elaborate. I'm meeting up with him tomorrow afternoon and we have about a 40 minute walk to and from a place we're going to, so I'm thinking that would be the perfect opportunity to talk to him. I already told him tonight that I wanted to talk to him about something tomorrow to hold myself accountable to actually going through with it, but now I'm terrified: of his reaction (due to past experiences with others), of hurting him somehow, of getting reported, and even of not knowing what to say.  If anyone has any advice on how to start the conversation, what to say, or any tips, I would really really appreciate it. I'm planning on writing a sort of script, since that will probably help, but have no idea how to do so right now. Thanks so much and thanks for reading all this too
Billie4ever profile picture
Self harm
by Billie4ever
Last post
 March 4th
...See more Hello I was wondering if continuisly snapping a rubber band on ur wrist is self hard I do it bc I don’t have access to blades. It’s like another way to sh to me is this sh ?
Remina profile picture
When Things Feel Too Much: A Safety Plan You Can Save
by Remina
Last post
 February 28th
...See more I wanted to create this post as I think it is important to have safety plans in place. I know that not all moments feel the same. Sometimes the emotions feel too bad while at other times there are specific urges to hurt yourself. Because these experiences can need different kinds of support, I wanted to introduce two self-guided safety plan templates that you can use privately, at your own pace. ⚠️ Important note 7Cups is a peer support space, not a crisis service. If you feel unable to keep yourself safe or are in immediate danger, please reach out to the crisis resources listed here:  👉 7cups.com/crisis [https://www.7cups.com/crisis/] ------------------------- 🩹 Safety Plan A: When Self-Harm Urges Show Up This plan focuses on getting through urges safely, moment by moment. 🔔 Early Signs How I know urges are building * Thoughts that show up: * Emotions that spike: * Body sensations (tight chest, restlessness, numbness, etc.): 🛑 Safer Alternatives Things that help release or ride out urges without injury * Sensory tools (ice, holding something cold/warm, textures): * Physical movement (walking, stretching, squeezing a pillow): * Distractions that fully engage me: 🧸 Comfort & Grounding * Breathing or grounding exercises that help: * Music, shows, or sounds that calm me: * Pets, blankets, or familiar objects: 🤝 Reaching Out * People I can message or talk to: * What helps when I reach out (listening, distraction, reminders): 🚨 When I Need More Support If urges feel unmanageable or I feel unsafe, I agree to reach out to: 👉 7cups.com/crisis [https://www.7cups.com/crisis/]or local emergency services. ------------------------- 🌊 Safety Plan B: When I’m Emotionally Overwhelmed This plan is for moments when emotions feel too intense, even without urges to self-harm. 🌧️ What Overwhelm Feels Like for Me * Emotions I notice (panic, sadness, anger, numbness): * Thoughts that loop: * How my body reacts: 🌬️ Grounding & Regulation Things that help my nervous system settle * Breathing exercises I like: * Gentle movement or stretching: * Sensory comforts (lighting, temperature, scents): 🧠 Mental Supports * Self-talk that helps (even a little): * Writing, journaling, or venting safely: * Letting myself cry or rest without fixing everything: 🤝 Connection * Who feels safe to talk to when I’m overwhelmed: * How I want support to look (listening, reassurance, distraction): 🚨 If Overwhelm Turns into Feeling Unsafe If my thoughts shift toward not wanting to be here or I feel unsafe, I will reach out to: 👉 7cups.com/crisis [https://www.7cups.com/crisis/] ------------------------- 💬 You don’t have to fill out everything. 💬 You don’t have to share your answers publicly. 💬 These plans are about support, not perfection. If you’re reading this, you’re already choosing to pause and care for yourself—and that counts.
reservedLemon6875 profile picture
Self harm and self esteem
by reservedLemon6875
Last post
 February 1st
...See more What is self-harm Self harm describes any behaviour where someone causes harm to themselves usually as a way to help cope with dificult or distressing thoughts and feelings. The self-harm cycle Self-harm usually starts as a way to relieve the build up of pressure from distressing thoughts and feelings. This might give a temporary relief from the emotional pain the person is feeling.. Its important to know that its relief is only temporary because the underlying reason still remains. Soon after feelings of guilt and shame might follow which can continue the cycle. Self-harm can become somes normal way of dealing with lifes difficulties . Self harm is something that can affect anyone its believed that around 10% of young people self harm.if you self harm there are a lot of people who also know what you are going through Self esteem Self esteem is confidence in one's own worth or abilities; self-respect. There's a connection between low self-esteem and self-harm as having low self-esteem can sometimes lead to repetitive, destructive habits – including self-harming behavior. Its important to be aware of why having a warped and negative opinion of yourself can lead to self-harm, as well as take note of the positive coping mechanisms you can adopt when times get tough. Why Can Low Self-Esteem Cause Self-Harm? Low self-esteem is a symptom of depression and can be linked to many other painful feelings associated with the condition, including anger, hopelessness, helplessness, guilt, and persistent sadness. Self-harm is a way that some people try to find relief from these painful feelings. Self-harming behavior allows an individual to gain a sense of control over her life when she otherwise feels completely powerless This desire for control is understandable and desirable. Positive Coping Mechanisms Reduce Self-Harm and Build Self-Esteem Doing your things you love Listening to music Talking to the people you love Going for a walk What are some coping mechanisms you use when having urges to self harm? What helps you when you have low self esteem? What would you say to someone struggling with this? Share your thoughts
GoldenRuleJG profile picture
Why I was made? A poem to connect with those who are struggling
by GoldenRuleJG
Last post
 August 30th, 2025
...See more
lolorye89 profile picture
how do/should I tell my parents?
by lolorye89
Last post
 July 12th, 2025
...See more I'm 13 and I've been struggling with self harm for about two years. I was clean for amost 4 months, so I thought I would be fine, but last week I relapsed after a fight with my brother. so I want a therapist. I havent told my mom abt the sh, so when talked to her about therapy, she said I didn't need it. I feel so helpless. does anybody have any advice? I want them to know but I'm not sure if I have the energy to have that conversation..
ShyPine235 profile picture
Reasons to stay clean & Skills/Coping tips
by ShyPine235
Last post
 November 13th, 2024
...See more I thought I’d share my collection of skills and reasons to stay clean, hopefully this will help some of you. I'm still very new to this site, but part of the reason I'm here is to hopefully share helpful things. Not all of the reasons or skills will work for you, I'm actually also listing some that don't do it for me, so just pick those that resonate with you. Which these are will probably change over time and that's totally okay, too. Also, it's great to find your own reasons, but I know it often seems like there aren't any. Reasons to stay clean: * to feel proud instead if guilty * so you can shower without burning pain * to break your record/last streak * so you can stop lying about having quit * so you don't have to explain yourself as much * to prove yourself how strong you are * maybe because of your religion if you have one * because the people important to you don't deserve to self harm, neither do you because you're important to someone too * to go swimming again * you have more fun when you, don't have to hide fresh wounds * no fear of going too deep/having to go to ER and being judged (which sadly can happen) * to keep your promises * remember: relapsing isn't weakness as long as you try again <3 * to wear short clothing again * if you damage your nerves, you might have a hard time doing what you love * self harm feels good for minutes and bad for months, it doesn't solve you problems but just creates more pain * some pets can pick up human emotions and you don't want yours to feel you're in pain * to be able to use certain objects for their intended purpose again without getting urges * you don't need (more) scars * wounds can get infected * to show others that recovery is possible * to gain hope again Substitution: (what to do instead) Please be careful, as some of these might make it worse for you! Some things can also progress into self-harm if you overdo them. * draw fake wounds on your skin (be careful you’re not allergic to your marker/etc., also might trigger you even more) * rip apart paper (maybe paint the edges red) * get these spiky massage balls, but made from metal  * smell essential oil * when it gets really bad maybe ammonia * put bandaids or tape on your skin and carefully rip/take it off again * website: fatal to the flesh * put bandages/bandaids on like you self harmed, but you actually didn’t * eat spicy food * cut your hair because that doesn’t hurt you * snap a rubber band/elastic on your wrist * do some sports * kill some weeds in the garden/outside * put ice cubes on your skin * cut or scratch wood instead of yourself * take a cold shower * cut paper/cardboard * punch a pillow Distraction: * promise yourself to wait for 30min (or any other time that is doable but still hard) * cuddle your pet/s * watch clouds move * do breathing exercises (or don’t, I start panicking) * dance * cook or bake something nice * do a Duolingo lesson * style your hair * solve a Rubik’s cube * do yoga * go on a walk * clean your room * put on nail polish (makes you feel pretty and helps to keep your hand occupied) * watch a funny video to cheer yourself up * watch a movie * listen to music * put on make-up * hug someone * read * draw something * play a game/video game * write a short story * write poetry Dealing with your emotions: * find out why you have urges and try to remove the reason * look back on good moments (make a list) * look at things you can control (make a list) * look at things you’re grateful for (make a list) * write down your feelings/journal * talk to somebody * positive affirmations * paint your feelings * smile * read a letter to yourself (write one when you are feeling better!)
lavenderFig5845 profile picture
Advice needed (long posts but please help
by lavenderFig5845
Last post
 September 26th, 2024
...See more To preface this, I have seen a psychologist recently and am seeing a therapist actively but they haven't been able to give me any insight and I'm at a loss of what to do now. It took me two+ years on a wait list and my psychology appointment lasted 30 mins with no follow up.  Was taking lexapro from age 20 to 28 (2012 to 2020). Originally started as I had a bit of a breakdown at 20 and started just hurling my past traumas at my parents. I come from a strict religious background that never acknowledged mental health before this. They pushed me to go to my family doctor and according to a checklist my family doctor went through I had depression and he prescribed me 5mg lexapro (cipralex in Canada). Didn't see a psychologist or therapist just my family doctor. Within the next year for the first time I was more confident, no more social anxiety, was actually outgoing and social and started dating for the first time. Over the next 8 years he lowered/increased my doses based on different reasons.  During 2019 I started experiencing burst of anger, paranoia, mood swings and erratic behaviour. I was not thinking straight for the most part and during this my uncle somehow convinced me my lexapro was to blame. Going against my better judgement I went cold turkey on the lexapro in January 2020 and by February/March I had a full on breakdown, the affects of which lasted a long time. During this time I started bringing up past trauma with my parents again, was convinced everyone including friends and family were against me and that they were constantly lying to me even over the most trivial small things. Was also convinced that my doctor gave me lexapro without me being properly diagnosed and that he messed up my brain chemistry.  I woke up one morning having another mood swings and quit my job while crying. I moved back with my parents. I haven't held down a proper job since then and am still at my parents. I also haven't been dating as my old confidence is nowhere to be seen and I'm extremely anxious.  At the start of 2022 I finally saw my family doctor again and he said I still didn't need a psychologist or therapist I just needed to start taking the lexapro again, which I did for 3/4 months before asking him if I can taper off and while he didn't think I should he helped me taper off it. As of September 2022 I haven't taken lexapro at all. I should mention that I was a daily weed smoker from 2011 to September 2022 at which point I also quit weed cold turkey and have only smoked once in a blue moon.  I am still at my parents and jobless but I enrolled in college and am actually doing well. I start an internship soon and am looking for a job too. But since September 2022 I still have anxiety, my brain feels foggy, my memory used to be amazing but it feels like n more forgetful. I also still have no confidence and anxiety I'm not dating. My entire personality feels different. Idk what to do. I went to a psychologist recently and he thought I just needed therapy not meds but once I told him how much for the better I changed when I initially took it, he said I should start again at 5mg. My therapist (who I've been seeing since soetlagreed but he's been saying I need meds since I first started seeing him (he thinks I need a combination of meds and therapy).  Now here I am not knowing what to do. I just want to feel like myself again. I want to date again and not be afraid to talk to girls again. I want to feel happy and not anxious. I want to hold down a job and move out and get going with my life again. Do I start my meds again and hope for the best? Or am I stuck like this forever?
Kristynsmama profile picture
Self soothing
by Kristynsmama
Last post
 April 25th, 2024
...See more These are some of the things I do to self soothe when I’m having a hard time.  Do you do any of these things?  Are there other things you do to self soothe?  If so, what are they?
AWorldofPeaceandHope profile picture
146 Things To Do Besides Self Harm
by AWorldofPeaceandHope
Last post
 April 24th, 2024
...See more 1. Exercise. 2. Put on fake tattoos. 3. Draw on yourself with washable red marker-then take a shower and wash away your pain. 4. Scribble on sheets of paper. 5. Write poetry. 6. Cuddle with a stuffed toy. 7. Be with other people. 8. Watch a favorite TV show. 9. Post on web boards or try answering other people's posts. 10, Think about how "I DON'T WANT SCARS FOR SUMMER!!" 11. Paint your nails a new color. 12. Go out to see a movie. 13. Eating something you can't resist. 14. Do your school work. 15. Write a letter to someone but never send it. 16. Go into chat rooms to talk. 17. Call a friend and ask them to come hang out. 18. Play a musical instrument. 19. Sing. 20. Look up at the sky, and find the moon. Study it. 21. Make your own list of things to do instead of S.I. 22. Buy a punching bag (with gloves. Name it. Then, have a visit with Bob when you need to. 23. Snap a rubber band (hair band) on your wrist. 24. Cover yourself with band-aids where you want to cut. 25. Go to the zoo and rename the animals. 26. Let yourself cry, even if it is hard. 27. Sleep, only if you are tired. 28. Do the exact opposite of what you really want to do. 29. Play with a pet. 30. Smile to at least 5 people. 31. Re-organize and lable your linen closet. 32. Go out and perform one act of kindness. 33. Have a pillow fight with a wall. 34. Knit a scarf. 35. Read a good book. 36. Dress up very glamorous, with makeup to match. 37. Color your hair. 38. Listen to music (nontriggering) 39. Watch a candle burn, but no playing with flames or hot wax. Blow it out when you leave the room. 40. Find someone else you can help. Do volunteer work. 41. Meditate. Track your breathing. 42. Call up an old friend and catch up. 43. Work on a website or start a new one. 44. Have a vivid fantasy love affair with a celebrity. 45. Go somewhere very public. 46. Bake cookies or another favorite food you like. 47. Alphabetize your CD's. 48. Chew gum. 49. Buy a henna tattoo kit. 50. Paint or draw. 51. Rip paper into really small pieces. 52. Give someone a Hug. 53. Write a letters or emails. 54. Talk to yourself, and put it on tape. 55. Hug a pillow. 56. Hyper-focus on something like a rock. 57. Fingerpaint. 58. Scream as loud as you want. 59. Dance. 60. Make hot chocolate. 61. Pop bubble wrap. 62. Play with play dough. 63. Count to 100. 64. Build a pillow fort. 65. Blow up a balloon and pop it. 66. Hug yourself. 67. Write yourself an "I love myself because" letter and keep it. Read it when you feel down. 68. Read things in a different language. 69. Go for a nice long drive, walk, or jog. 70. Complete something you have been putting off. 71. Drink a cup of herbal tea. 72. Fold paper and invent a new origomi shape. 73. Write your memoirs. 74. Build something. 75. Take up archery. 76. Go rock climbing. 77. Take up a new hobby you always dreamed of. 78. Organize bills, receipts, etc. 79. Cook a meal. 80. Go out for ice cream. 81. Buy a stuffed animal. 82. Look at pretty things-like flowers or art work. 83. Create something. 84. Pray or read the Bible. 85. Throw socks against the wall. 86. Make a list of blessings in your life. 87. Go to a friend's house and open up. 88. Take up fencing. 89. Watch an old comedy movie. 90. Call your therapist or make an appointment with one. 91. Talk to someone close to you that you trust. 92. Throw a temper tantrum. 93. Ride a bicycle. 94. Polish silver or jewelry. 95, Start a garden or water your house plants. 96. Re-arrange a room. 97. Feed the ducks, birds, or squirrels. 98. Draw on the walls-or paint with watercolors if you don't want permanence. 99. Play with face paint. 100. Play jacks or pick up sticks. 101. Color with crayons. 102. Memorize a song and sing it. Then, reflect on it's message. 103. Put on boots and stomp. 104. Stretch. 105. Find a butterfly and catch it. 106. Watch fish. 107. Come up with baby names even if you aren't expecting. 108. Go to a public place and people watch. 109. Make a CD of your favorite songs. 110. Name all of your stuffed animals. 111. Go shopping. 112. Get into your PJ's and just veg. 113. Buy cheap teddy bears and take your anger out on them 114. Throw everything on the ground except glass. 115. Go to a loud concert (Make sure it doen't trigger you) 116. Think about your ideal life. What do you have to do to get there? 117. Plan your someday wedding day or upcoming prom. 118. Hunt for stuff on Ebay. 119. Alphabetize your books and magazines. 120. Hunt for your perfect home in the paper or online. 121. Take up Tai Chi. 122. Try to make as many words as possible out of your full name. 123. Count ceiling tiles or lights. 124. Go to the grocery store and buy yourself some flowers. 125. Search for ridiculous things on the web. 126. Google youself. 127. Color co-oridinate your wardrobe. 128. Do a home tan on yourself. 129. Take a hot bath and "be" in the moment. 130. Sort all you photographs. 131. Give yourself a pedicure. 132. Color or scribble over pretty women in magazines. 133. Plan a dinner party with menus and guest list, then carry it out. 134. Go through all your old stuff, and donate to Good Will. 135. Take a walk in the woods and breathe the fresh air. 136. Start a mood journal and write in it every day. Do patterns surface? Track your triggers. 137. Buy yourself some toys and play like you are 5 years old again! 138. Start to collect some thing. 139. Take up kick-boxing. 140. Read a magazine or newspaper. 141. Sew something. 142. Buy a stuffed animal. 143. Take your own dog, or a friend's dog for a walk. 144. Call 1-800-DONT CUT 145. Call 1-800-THERAPIST 146. Read through this list again. This article comes from: https://www.adolescentselfinjuryfoundation.com/
Kristynsmama profile picture
Top 5 reasons for self harming behavior
by Kristynsmama
Last post
 April 20th, 2024
...See more * These are the top 5 reasons that young adults practice in sept harming behaviors.  Which of these rings true for you?  It can be one of them or all of them.  Understanding why we practice this behavior is a key in long term recovery. * 1.  To release emotional pressure (In one study, 85 percent [https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2723954/] of participants said this was their biggest reason for self-harming.) * 2.  In order to control how they’re feeling * 3.  To get away from intolerable emotions * 4.  As a way of punishing themselves or expressing anger at themselves * 5.  Being triggered by exposure to self-harm relapse in others or in the media.

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