[Palmolive]

Hello

Thank you for coming to us here, I know talking about it can be hard but you have done well in doing so, so be proud of yourself for that. Big first step taken!

I really do want to be able to help you with all of this but you have only given us very small details and while thats okay because like I said its a big first step and we will do things at your pace, if you feel able to open up to us a bit more, that'd be helpful but no pressure, okay? Do whats best for you right now, that all we care about!

Self harm can be really hard to beat and overcome but it is possible. They are thoughts and urges but you are in control of them. They can not hurt you. The only way you're going to get hurt by these thoughts and urges is if YOU act on them. And from my own experience I know that is so much easier said than doing but it is possible. I've been self harming for nearly 14 years and its gotten worse and grown with me as I have grown up and Im at a point where it is starting to become less often but I need to work on not self harming as severely. But I think it's about training your mind to understand that when you feel bad, low, sad, upset, stressed or what ever else, you don't need self harm. You need to make the pathways in your brain learn that you don't need it by replacing it with something healthy.

And there are so many distractions like going for a walk, reading a book, writing things down or even writing a poem or song lyrics, going to the gym, meeting a friend, doing school/college work, tidying up, watching a film, ringing someone, even ringing a helpline, snuggling into bed, petting your pets, playing a game, going for a run, going shopping, going to the cinema, just even things like being around others or getting out the house and even things like creating yourself a safe place to go to and even making a self soothe box to turn too. I find these really helpful. My self soothe box has grown over the years and it is massive now and I have dvds that cheer me up in there, letters, photo's gifts, candles, nail varnish, recovery and hope books, cream, bath bombs, glow sticks, everything that helps me in the moment.

Give things a try. Not everything is going to work for you but there will be things out there that help you so it is about trial and error and not giving up when something doesn't help, you know? It can be a bit exhausting but wen you have found the things that help it is so worth it. Then you can use those things constantly. I know listening to upbeat music when I am low and singing really loudly to it helps me. Like acting like no one else is on the house. I even throw in a dance move or two!

Just hang on in there and if there is more you want to talk to us about, please do. Again at your own pace but remember we're not here to judge. We're here to help and support you. You're never alone so don't ever suffer in silence.

Hope and wishes,
Jessie