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Jenna profile picture
Things no one tells you about Self-Harm: Trigger Warning
by Jenna
Last post
 Wednesday
...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
Shine Bright: I am SH-free for ____ Days
by ASilentObserver
Last post
 Monday
...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. 
ASilentObserver profile picture
SHA #4: Calming Affirmations for Difficult Moments
by ASilentObserver
Last post
 March 22nd
...See more Hello all,  Group Support organizing the month of Self-Harm Awareness Week,  the focus will be on discussing general awareness, and support, and celebrating milestones and small steps. This will be an opportunity for all of us to come together and extend our support and compassion to all who struggling with self-harm.  Life throws its curveballs, and sometimes we feel like we're drowning. You might be feeling overwhelmed and lost, and in those moments, the urge to self-harm might arise as a way to cope.   When you find yourself in those moments, having a set of affirmations can help ground you and bring a sense of calm. Affirmations are powerful tools that can shift your mindset and provide comfort in difficult times. Here are some affirmations you can repeat to yourself when you feel overwhelmed or tempted to harm yourself.  * "This feeling is temporary. I will get through this."  * "I am worthy of love and support. I will reach out for help." You deserve to feel safe and cared for.  * "I am strong and capable. I have faced challenges before, and I can face this one too." You are more resilient than you think. * "My pain does not define me. I am more than my struggles." Pain is a part of life, but it doesn't have to control your existence. You are a complex and worthy person. * "I will focus on what I can control, my breath, my thoughts, and my actions."  * "There is help available. I will find a healthy way to cope." Self-harm is not the answer. There are healthier ways to deal with difficult emotions.  * "I am worthy of healing. I will take steps towards feeling better today." Start small, with one positive step towards self-care. * "I deserve to be treated with kindness and compassion, especially by myself. I choose to be gentle with myself in times of distress." * "I am not alone in this. Some people care about me and want to support me through this struggle." * "My worth is not defined by my struggles or mistakes. I am inherently valuable just as I am." * "I have the power to choose how I respond to this situation. I choose to respond with love and understanding towards myself." * "I acknowledge my pain, but I also acknowledge my capacity for healing and growth. I am worthy of healing." * "I forgive myself for any past mistakes or shortcomings. I choose to let go of self-blame and embrace self-compassion." Please know that affirmations are most effective when repeated regularly and with conviction. Find the affirmations that resonate with you the most and make them a part of your daily self-care routine. If you are struggling with self-harm, please reach out for support. You are not alone, and there is hope for healing. We are all here with you to listen to and support you.  If you have any affirmation that you use, please share it with us here. Also, let's discuss and share our experiences with affirmations during overwhelming moments. All thoughts are welcomed.  ------------------------- Other posts in the SHA series:  SHA #3: Role of Acceptance & Validation [https://www.7cups.com/forum/selfharm/General_2451/SHA3RoleofAcceptanceValidation_325495/] SHA #2: "Safe Plan" for people with self-harm issue [https://www.7cups.com/forum/selfharm/InformationandResources_1079/SHA2SafePlanforpeoplewithselfharmissue_323303/] SHA #1: Do you think self-harm defines you?  [https://www.7cups.com/forum/selfharm/General_2451/SHA1Doyouthinkselfharmdefinesyou_324983/]
basilpilled profile picture
ohhh the itching
by basilpilled
Last post
 December 10th
...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
...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
...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
...See more
CPO2000 profile picture
admitting you need help
by CPO2000
Last post
 March 26th
...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!
LightNAtlantic profile picture
New Here
by LightNAtlantic
Last post
 April 23rd, 2023
...See more Hi! I’m Lila. I hope to become good friends with people on here…I really need it lol Question: What is one song you’ve heard on the radio and you are now obsessed with?
bbmarko profile picture
Check in
by bbmarko
Last post
 February 27th, 2023
...See more Hey how is everyone doing? Any plans for March?
CalmWaves3939 profile picture
💜 Self-Harm Recovery 💜 February Check-In 💜
by CalmWaves3939
Last post
 February 27th, 2023
...See more Hello, Self-Harm Recovery Community ✨💜 Well! This has been a very short month and has gone by quickly 😮 It feels like the year is flying by already 💜 February is the month for sharing our love for others and/or ourselves. I am thankful to everyone in our community and appreciate you all being there for each other. 💜 This month is a quick check-in for the short month of Feb! 😊 * How are you feeling? * Do you have any plans for March? * What are some things you do that help to cheer you up? * What is your favourite thing about yourself? I hope to read all of your responses! ✨ Click here to be added/removed from our > Automated SHR Taglist - 7 Cups Forum [https://www.7cups.com/forum/SelfHarmRecovery_65/IntroduceYourselfIcebreakers_253/AutomatedSHRTaglist_218434/1/] < @12kirby12 @1Disawsum @1morday @24Help1 @aar10 @Accentus @AdamantlyFree @adaptableSpring9318 @addierus @admaiorasemper @AdunAde @adventurousComputer9958 @aesonnn @aestheticmaddie @Akor1 @AlexanderSpamilton @alicehasalotofissues @allnaturalBerry @amandaa6360 @Ambitiousthinker7178 @anabellamia1189 @anasierra @AndyKade1018 @Annabanana1014 @AnnaMedicineStudent @anomaly2424 @Antisocial5864 @Aphrodite11 @Armelle12 @ArriaAna @Arrow18 @arrowsgoforward @Aryspencer15 @Asher2343 @asheroo92 @Ashtonlou222 @aspirant111 @AstronomySkies @aszalay @AThingCalledPax @AugustaGeorgia @AuroraBorealis12 @Autismaunt14 @avagraco @aviori @awesumturtlesz @axyc @Ayeeitsnotme @babybatman @babydino69 @bandnerd1002 @BandNerd100201 @bear228 @becca111111 @beniba08 @Bethfarmer 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sapphiremoon914 profile picture
First date and hiding scars (TW)
by sapphiremoon914
Last post
 February 24th, 2023
...See more I've liked this guy for a while and recently reached out to him and asked him on a date. I've been so excited to get to know him but the first date is coming up quickly and I started looking in my closet to choose an outfit. I have an adorable red dress with daisies on it and I'd really love to wear it but it is short sleeved and my arms are heavily scarred (healed over but very noticeable) from cutting. I've never really worn long sleeves for the purpose of hiding my scars, but it's been a cold winter where I'm from and I realized he's never seen them. I'm suddenly very anxious about what he'll think or even worse- say. I've always been a "let people think what they wanna think" person but I really want to impress this guy and not freak him out on our first date. I'm so frightened of what impression he might get of me. Of course I'd let him know later on if things work out about my experience with self harm but the first date seems too soon. Or perhaps it'd be a good way of judging whether or not he is insensitive enough to not be worth my time if he says something rude. And on the same note, I really wouldn't want to make him uncomfortable. Good god I'm so torn, someone please tell me what they would do in my place.
Retr0ne profile picture
Is writing okay?
by Retr0ne
Last post
 February 24th, 2023
...See more I'm a writer and I make some...deep poems. Is it okay to send some here?
Lovelyperson1 profile picture
Some healthier coping methods!
by Lovelyperson1
Last post
 February 14th, 2023
...See more If anyone wants to share some healthy coping strategies that do not involve self-harm drop them down ! Mine is the ice on wrist strategy

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