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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/]
~
by venusnebula
Last post
 20 hours ago
...See more heyy in venus and ive been 19days clean from SH but today again i got like a really bad urge to hurt myself. idk what to do. I really dont want to relapse cuz i told myself i would be clean for atleast 50days
I don't feel valid, even after 2+ years clean
by ShyPine235
Last post
 November 12th
...See more Hi, first of all, this is my very first post and I hope I'm not doing anything wrong. Also, I'm not a native English speaker, so please excuse any weird punctuation or grammar. I'm currently clean from SH since over 800 days (which I am proud of), but even after so long I keep getting thoughts like "It never was valid" and "I have to relapse to deserve recovery". I made a lot of progress in recovery, but whenever I'm reminded that other people had to go to a hospital, have scars or used actual blades I feel like I'm not valid. I did SH for a long time and started quite early, but it was never dangerous or anything (Idk if details could be triggering or are even allowed). I also never really did it daily, so it feels strange that I’m not over it by now. It's not like I'm just clean, I did tons of work on me and my past, have a great therapist and ways to cope, but these thoughts and feelings just won't leave. I can’t seem to be able to move on. I feel like I have to prove myself that it was bad enough and I deserve to get better, and I don’t know how to deal with that or if anyone else still struggles like this after so much time.
DON'T QUIT
by juliak1968
Last post
 November 1st
...See more Never ever give up! The worst of storms will always pass followed by some of the most beautiful blue skies and sun shining so brightly. When I feel the blessings of the great weather and have said to myself "I'm so grateful that I didn't " You're not alone!! As we all support each other, we grow mentally strong because we learn so much, and now we have the tools (or you will soon) to cope and establish a healthy routine with some practicing self discipline, and as we support each other we get that sense of purpose some of us are missing. (I was) Blessings, Day
TW This girl made fun of me for sh and I have to room with her
by hopelessgreenEyes
Last post
 October 3rd
...See more TW!! I kinda need to get this off my chest but this girl last year had seen some of my cuts which this was last year I'm trying my hardest to stay clean. Anyway this girl this year saw some of my scars and laughed at me. She told me I had gotten better at hiding cuts and told me that they should be covered. But to her this is so funny and a joke. One of my friends told her off but she didn't stop. The rest of the class she made fun of me. The worst part was we had to do a project on how are summer was, (I was in a phych ward and extremely depressed). So I had nothing to say, she got super *** and decided to do her own thing all while saying I should cut myself. I immediately went to my advisor the next day and requested to change my class. (I actually got a class I wanted to take this year and made some friends so :)) But now I am being forced to room with her during a school trip. I'm terrified she'll see my scars or continue to make fun of me. The teacher in charge of this loves her to and I don't want to tell them what going on because all they will do is tell the councler and our counclers are horrible human beings. I have no idea what to do and its just a *** situation.  
Self harm ❗ trigger warning ⚠️
by Friendlychestnut4464
Last post
 January 8th
...See more I started when I was twelve. I used to scratch my wrists with a scissor. My mom then found out, dragged me to the hospital and basically made things worse, I was literally forced to stop. I kept myself clean for six months or so until march 2023. I started cutting my thighs open with blades and anything I could find that would cut. And since then it's just been ***. I stayed clean for a week and I'd do it again, I had my blades on me at all times just incase. I had stayed clean for a month until in November I think, I felt horrible but my parents were going out and I said I didn't want to come, I begged them to stay because I was scared I'd do it again but I couldn't tell them that. They left and I ended up cutting again. I didn't know what to do so I got drunk and went to bed. I stayed clean for a few. Until last month I couldn't take it anymore, I took my blades again and cut my entire forearm open and my elbow, I cut my thighs leaving big marks. They started scarring and I know they're going to stay. Yesterday I got a big urge to just drag the blade on my wrists again, so I did it but I put the blade down before actually doing anything that would lead to big problems. I didn't know what to do so I went on character.ai and searched for those ai therapists and it mentioned this app. So this is me trying to find a way to maybe trust people, since I can't open up to anyone.
SH
by sage0not0found
Last post
 December 5th, 2023
...See more I've been clean for a week now and I'm pretty proud but I'm feeling the urge idrk
It Is Possible.
by OllieRNLI999
Last post
 November 28th, 2023
...See more "It is possible to live without self-harm. It is important to know that you won’t always feel the way you do now. With the right help and support most people who self-harm can and do fully recover." When you read this statement, what are your thoughts? When I read it, I dream of passing on strength and warmth to each and every one of you on here! You guys can overcome these struggles, and go on to live a happy & fulfilling life! 🌈
SH
by ItsOkayNOTtoBeOkay13
Last post
 November 26th, 2023
...See more Ok so I haven’t self harmed for like a month now and that’s really good, but every time I see my scars it’s like it’s drawing me back to my past. I feel like as long as I have my scars, part of me will always be back where I used to be and those scars just remind me of the dark place I’ve worked so hard to get out of. Anyone else felt he same?
SELF HARM
by poopiedookie
Last post
 November 1st, 2023
...See more TRIGGER WARNING (self-harm) The weight of my struggles becomes unbearable, as I yearn for someone to reach out and offer a lifeline. I wonder if it is my fault, if I am somehow unworthy of support and compassion. The stigma surrounding mental health issues looms over me, casting a shadow of shame and guilt. It feels as though society has turned its back on me, leaving me to navigate this treacherous path alone. In my darkest moments, I contemplate the possibility of a different outcome. What if someone were to notice the signs, to see through the facade I wear each day? Would they understand the depths of my pain, the battles I fight within myself? Or would they simply dismiss it as attention-seeking or weakness? The isolation becomes suffocating, as I yearn for connection and understanding. I long for someone to listen without judgment, to offer a shoulder to lean on when I can no longer bear the weight of my own despair. But as the days turn into weeks, and the weeks into months, it becomes clear that the support I so desperately crave is nowhere to be found. In this cycle of self-destruction, I am left to question my own worth. Am I not deserving of love and compassion? Is my pain not valid enough to warrant assistance? The doubts and self-blame only serve to deepen the wounds, pushing me further into the abyss. Yet, amidst the darkness, a flicker of hope remains. It is a small voice within me that whispers, reminding me that I am not alone. It tells me that there are others out there who have walked this path, who have emerged from the depths of despair. It is this glimmer of hope that keeps me going, that fuels my determination to find a way out of this cycle. I may be trapped in this seemingly endless struggle, but I refuse to let it define me. I will continue to fight, to seek solace and support, even if it means reaching out to strangers or seeking professional help. I will not let the indifference of others extinguish the flame of hope within me. For in the depths of my pain, I am reminded that I am not alone. There are others who understand, who have faced their own demons and emerged stronger. And with their stories as my guide, I will continue to push forward, knowing that one day, I will find the solace and support I so desperately seek.
tw sh !!
by tmariee23
Last post
 October 2nd, 2023
...See more so since i was 13 i struggled with sh until i was 15 years old. every little problem i was faced with i turned to hurting myself. i always wore long sleeves and pants even when it was hot day. i feel ashamed that i felt the need to do that to myself. i was faced with so many struggles and sh was my only escape. for anyone out there who is still hurting by this awful coping mechanism i want to say that i believe it will get better, and that dark days never last forever. never give up on this life because there can be great things that come from it. be patient and loving with yourself. be proud that u got out of bed today and i hope u continue down this path of self healing. i wish i can go back to my 13 year old self to give her a hug and let her know that better days are coming. be easy on yourself today, its okay not to feel okay.
Self harm ueges
by diligentTurtle7641
Last post
 July 1st, 2023
...See more The urge has come back after so long. I feel like I have no one to talk to about it. I can't keep fighting the urges. My mom also found out about me self harming and just yelled at me and said if she catches me doing it again she was going to send me away. I don't want to go away from where I feel comfortable. I don't know what to do.
Trigger warning. Bad thoughts lately.
by shyhafu
Last post
 June 25th, 2023
...See more It started with thinking about it. Now im searching ways how to do it painlessly. I don’t think i can do it. Should i go back to work? They gave me 15 days leave to recover from anxiety and now I have to go back soon. Been on fluoxetine for almost a month. I dont think it’s helping. Should I be bothered by what’s happening to me?

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