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Things no one tells you about Self-Harm: Trigger Warning
by Jenna
Last post
 November 14th
...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.
Shine Bright: I am SH-free for ____ Days
by ASilentObserver
Last post
 November 6th
...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. 
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/]
How do i get over this?
by Helloimjay
Last post
 October 14th
...See more Hello. Im only 13 and am struggling with getting over SH.  I haven’t done it in months but the thought occurs. I feel so much better now that im not doing it, but how do I stop thinking abou it? I’d really like some advice from people who actually understand 💜
Trigger warning
by creativeLime118
Last post
 October 1st
...See more Today I had a panic attack as I starred at a tool. I hate myself. Why do I do this. Why am I like this. I always think those things and today I dont think I've been worse before it really hurt and I had to take a shower I almost passed out. I hate myself I can't stop it. Why am I like this. Why did I end up so terrible. I'm only 13
tw
by hyunjinnn
Last post
 August 25th
...See more how to deal with a friend/family member who noticed my wounds? i don't wear band aids bcz i dont like it and i can hide but not 24*7. if there is someone who had shared same experience please give me some advices.
Self Harm
by QueerDragonsRule
Last post
 July 27th
...See more I need some advice on how to stop sh. Or at least to make it less frequent
I was doing so well
by InsecureChicken
Last post
 June 10th
...See more Guess I was doing so well!! I started self harming 3 years ago and I stopped a few months ago. Now I’ve started again. The scars are ugly!!
Trying to recover from sh
by iwantacoffee2009
Last post
 March 21st
...See more Day 2 without sh....my wounds itch like crazy....a friend convinced me to try to recover from sh....
A friend
by GwydionRowan
Last post
 March 20th
...See more So a friend of mine I’m a almost 100% sure is self harming and I’m not sure how to approach them about it in the past people normal came to me about it but I know this one won’t. After I moved school I haven’t felt really close with anyone even the people I hang out daily so it means this a little harder. I feel like my friend is really guarded and won’t say anything and I don’t want to make them overly anxious trying to talk to them along with their other stressors.  Does anyone know how to like start a convo off or what I should say to them 
Relapse Even Though It's Been Years
by SmallShroom
Last post
 March 2nd
...See more Hi everyone! I give full support for everyone here. Whether you are in recovery, relapse, years out, or struggling. Everyone here deserves love and support. Im glad we can all come together and thats special! I haven't SH in four-ish years. I hadn't been able to wear short sleeves for maybe 8 years. My scars are as faded I think they'll ever be. This isnt a topic I talk about honestly. I dont tell people this part of me. Im feeling like I might relapse due to all the stress and pressure and self-hate. Self-discipline.  Every time I look at my arm I think about all the years I couldnt wear a T-shirt. Im worried that one of these days im just going to say f it because of life and just do it. Because I feel how useless and worthless I am. Im not okay. I want to be okay but Im just not. Im allowing that dark cloud to block my sunlight... only, idk what sunlight I even have. Im useless to society. I have no purpose. I have no one and nothing. I say Im okay but Im not. I dont want others to know my deep down secrets. I dont want to be "seeking attention". I dont want to scare anyone. I dont want any spotlight or sympathy. Just empathy. Someone that will listen and understand me. I'm sorry this all turned dark. Tbh, I didnt know I was gonna say this much. I guess this is a journal entry or something, idk. Thanks for reading! Hope ur all staying safe!      
Self-Harm Alternatives?
by fluffypickles123
Last post
 February 5th
...See more I’ve been struggling with self harm for the past 2 months and I started trying to recover 1 month ago. Except, I keep relapsing after a week of being clean. My last relapse was on Feb 1 and I was clean for 8 days before that. I really want to stop, so I was wondering if anyone had some tips for me and anyone else to stop completely? Thank you 😊 
Winter again...
by darfj
Last post
 January 8th
...See more Hello, as far as I know, I deal with seasonal depression. I felt it for the first time last year and I ended up doing SH for a few months. Well now I've been clean for about 5 months, but winter is coming now and I'm nervous. Does anyone have any tips on how to stay clean/stay busy/stay distracted? I really don't want to relapse. All tips and support would be appreciated :)
Positive Alternatives To Self-Harm
by SJMal
Last post
 October 28th, 2023
...See more Understand the basics of self-harm Self-harm is when you hurt yourself on purpose, usually because you're going through a tough time emotionally and it helps you to feel better. Self-harm is a challenging and difficult experience that can be very frightening and isolating. It's common to feel alone, ashamed, and overwhelmed when struggling with self-harm. You should never feel the need to manage your self-harm alone, feel free to reach out to a trusted friend or family member, mental health professional, or support service such as 7Cups. Please see an attached link with a variety of alternatives. However I encourage anyone comfortable to share the ones that they have seen work the best! -> https://projectlets.org/alternatives-to-selfharm <- 
cravings
by quickwittedEyes3016
Last post
 October 24th, 2023
...See more heyy guys im new im 16 and a junior i highschool the last time i've harmed myself i was in 7th grade ad no one was there to help nobody hugged me or listened to me cry not even my parents talked to me and tried to help they treated me like a disease like me harmer myself was contagious . sometimes i get really upset and i breakdown and i think about how im so close to feeling better if i pick up the blade again

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