[Palmolive]

Hi there

Thanks for coming to us here for some help and support!

Four years with out self harm is absolutely amazing so remember that period of time of be proud of yourself for doing so well, okay? I am sorry that you've started self harming again. I want to really start by asking you whether anything has triggered this? I know you're not asking for with it, but if there is something and you feel you need too or would like to talk about it then please know we are always here to listen to you and support you through it whatever it is. We are not here to judge.

I think its good that you want to tell your mum. I know I've never wanted to tell mine but it got to points where she just found out or had to know (because I needed to go to hospital etc). So what a great thing for you to want to do. And lets face it, for anyone who self harms and is hoping to tell any parent, it's a pretty scary aspect and it can be nerve racking. Your mum might have a first reaction where it comes out like she is angry, really upset, confused, stressed, etc. If that happens and to you it all seems a bit over the top, then give her time. Sometimes when we find things out like someone we love is hurting themselves, it comes as a shock and that is why we can get a bad or different reaction to what we were expecting, you know? But it will pass and it might not even happen. Either way your mum will get to a point where I am sure she will want to support you (I am assuming you have a good relationship?) and will do anything to help you through it. Yes she still might be sad or upset but that's only because she cares about you so much and loves you and you're her baby and she hates to know you're in so much pain that its resulted in you self harming, okay? She just loves you and it hurts to see the people around us who we love, hurt. If you feel you can not verbally say it to your mum then maybe you could try writing her a letter or something?

If you want help with the self harming, please let us know and maybe we can help. You are not and never will be alone. Keep fighting okay? You ARE worth more than the pain you are putting yourself through.

Hope and wishes,
Jessie