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ASilentObserver profile picture
Self-Harm Awareness Week: A Letter of Self-Kindness
by ASilentObserver
Last post
 16 hours ago
...See more Hello everyone,  This week, from March 6th to 10th, we are dedicating efforts to raise awareness about self-harm [https://www.7cups.com/forum/selfharm/WelcomesIntroductionsIcebreakers_253/SelfHarmAwarenessWeekHealingThroughSelfCompassionConnectionMarch6th10th_348138/]and foster a safe, supportive space for healing. Our theme, "Healing Through Self-Compassion & Connection," explores the importance of understanding, empathy, and practical tools for navigating difficult emotions. This exercise is part of it, and I hope you all try it.  We invite you to participate in a meaningful exercise: A Letter of Self-Kindness.  It is your safe space to express *any* feelings you have, whether positive, negative, or somewhere in between and focus on being kinder to yourself in your words. Please know there are no rules here.  You need to be honest, be vulnerable, and be you.  It is more about connecting with yourself and fostering a more mindful and kind relationship with yourself. You can do it in two ways:  1. Take a piece of paper and pen and write a letter to yourself. And let us know if you did it here in this thread and how it makes you feel.  2. If you are comfortable sharing your letter with us, you can share it here in this thread, and we all can reflect and further discuss it as you feel comfortable.   3. Anyone can do this exercise, and it is not limited to the ones who struggle with SH.  Some tips to get started * Address Yourself with Compassion: Begin your letter with a gentle and kind address, such as "Dear [Your Name]," or "To My Heart," or "To the Part of Me That Needs Kindness." * Start by acknowledging the challenges you have faced. You might write something like: "I know you've been going through a tough time," or "I see the pain you're carrying." * Write words of encouragement and support to yourself. Remind yourself that you are worthy of kindness and compassion. Whether you choose to share it with us or keep it private is entirely up to you.  We are simply here to encourage and support you on this journey of self-kindness and acceptance. Who's ready to write their letter?  Let's begin
ASilentObserver profile picture
Self-Harm Awareness Week: Healing Through Self-Compassion & Connection (March 6th - 10th) 🧡🧡
by ASilentObserver
Last post
 21 hours ago
...See more Hello everyone, This week, from March 6th to 10th, we are dedicating efforts to raise awareness about self-harm and foster a safe, supportive space for healing. Our theme, "Healing Through Self-Compassion & Connection," explores the importance of understanding, empathy, and practical tools for navigating difficult emotions. What to expect during the event week: - SH Support Circle Sessions: Join our inclusive support circle sessions, which are a safe space to share experiences, feel empowered, and find support. - Debunking Myths & Challenging Misconceptions: We'll be addressing common myths and misconceptions surrounding self-harm, promoting accurate information and reducing stigma. Click here to check forum discussion. [https://www.7cups.com/forum/selfharm/General_2451/DebunkingMythsChallengingMisconceptionsSelfHarm_348168/] - Understanding Coping Mechanisms: We'll emphasize that self-harm is often a coping mechanism, not attention-seeking, and explore healthier alternatives. Click here to read! [https://www.7cups.com/forum/selfharm/General_2451/UnderstandingCopingMechanismsBeyondSelfHarm_348271/]  - "How Can I Be Kinder to Myself?" A Journaling Activity: Engage in guided journaling to cultivate self-compassion and explore ways to nurture your well-being. Click here to find tips and get started!  [https://www.7cups.com/forum/selfharm/General_2451/SelfHarmAwarenessWeekALetterofSelfKindness_348268/] - Skills for Healing: We'll also explore and check in some practical skills, including distress tolerance and emotional regulation, to help manage difficult emotions and build resilience. Why You Should Join: Self-harm is a complex issue that requires understanding and compassion. By raising awareness, challenging misconceptions, and providing support, we can continue to build a community where individuals feel safe to seek help and heal. How to Participate: - Join our SH Support Circle Sessions in the Self Harm Recovery Group Chat. - Engage with our forum discussions and activities to share your experiences, insights, or encouragement to others. - Share this announcement to raise awareness and support those who may be struggling. Let's work together to promote and foster understanding, empathy, and support.
ASilentObserver profile picture
Understanding Coping Mechanisms: Beyond Self-Harm
by ASilentObserver
Last post
 Saturday
...See more Hello everyone,  As life throws curveballs, we all develop ways to navigate stress, pain, and difficult emotions. We know them as coping mechanisms. While some can be healthy, others can be destructive, like self-harm. Please understand that self-harm is often an unhealthy coping mechanism, not a cry for attention. It is a sign of deep emotional distress and requires empathy, support, and understanding instead of judgment. This post is part of Self-Harm Awareness Week: Healing Through Self-Compassion & Connection [https://www.7cups.com/forum/selfharm/WelcomesIntroductionsIcebreakers_253/SelfHarmAwarenessWeekHealingThroughSelfCompassionConnectionMarch6th10th_348138/]. SH is Not About Attention There is a misconception that self-harm is attention-seeking behavior. That is untrue, harmful, and inaccurate. All who struggle with self-harm often experience shame and guilt, which make them hide their behaviors. The act itself is a personal struggle and not a public display. So when someone dismisses it as attention-seeking behavior, that discourages them from reaching out and seeking help. It is not typically about seeking attention but rather about managing intense emotional pain. The common reasons for SH: * SH may provide a temporary release from overwhelming emotions like anger, sadness, or anxiety. * In moments of emotional numbness, sh may create a physical sensation that confirms they are still "feeling" something. * In some ways, it is a way to punish oneself for perceived flaws or mistakes. * It may temporarily distract from internal distress.   How can we develop healthier alternatives? SH may provide temporary relief, but it is not a healthy coping mechanism. It may cause injury, emotional distress, and a cycle of self-destructive behavior. Instead, here are some healthier ways to consider:    * Writing down your thoughts and feelings can provide a safe outlet for emotional release.    * Utilizing creative expressions in the form of painting, drawing, music, or other forms of art can help process emotions.    * Trying deep breathing exercises and focusing on slow, deep breaths to calm the nervous system can be helpful.    * Sensory grounding techniques like holding ice, listening to calming music, or using a weighted blanket can provide a sense of grounding.    * Spending time in nature can be connecting with nature and help one feel calm.    * Reaching out and sharing to get emotional support is helpful.  How to support someone who sh? If you know someone who self-harms, please take these steps to comfort and support them * Approach them with empathy and understanding. * Listen attentively and without judgment. Encourage them to share what they can. * Give your support and reassurance to them and a gentle reminder that you believe in them. * Help them figure out healthy coping mechanisms and encourage them to try them more.  When we recognize the underlying emotional pain and offer healthier alternatives, that may help one break their cycle of self-destructive behavior and find healthier paths to healing. 
Shawdios profile picture
Shaws poems
by Shawdios
Last post
 December 31st, 2024
...See more [TW, mild romanticism/metaphor/symbolism (not promoting)] The artist wonders how long Till the lines grow deeper And their brush more aggressive How slippery is the slope? they ponder As the farther up lines crawl Their brush imatates a kitten claws Drawing paint from the can Ever so slightly Eventually their brush will grow rusty What then? Will it knock some sense into the artist? Only time will tell But how much will Time tell? Will it tell the artist anything? Or are Time’s words falling on deaf ears The lines are pleasing to touch Their rough texture a craved stimuli So the artist relishes in the fruit of their labor As their fingers trail up and down the canvas Full of fading red lines Both new and old
eviesweet profile picture
Poetry
by eviesweet
Last post
 December 30th, 2024
...See more I am not what I did, even if actions were made by own arms The struggle goes beyond what you could know or imagine What you see isn't what you get, it's only the surface Go deeper, allow yourself to go deeper and you'll see The smiles, laugh, stories, creativity, kindness and more! That is what I am. A human with a unique personality Because whatever actions I have done aren't part of it They aren't my dreams, hopes, passions nor my qualities Only a temporary way to breathe when my lungs were colapsing And now I can feel them recovering and regaining stregth I can feel the air - it's cold on my chest, but still there It used to be a frightening experience, hiding from it But not anymore. Not anymore. I told you: I am not what I did. I am way more. I am me. I am proud. - 24-09-2017 Note: Poetry is one way I like to manage feelings and thoughts, and decided to share this poem! Hope it's okay. Feel free to use this thread to post your own poems as well, I am not sure I'll have enough to fill it up myself haha
vera08 profile picture
TW: Poem I wrote(sort of a vent)
by vera08
Last post
 May 24th, 2023
...See more hate myself Falling to pieces one by one Nobody sees how I’m holding on Some tiny thread that’s bound to break I can still feel my body ache Told them once, but they don’t want to listen Not sick enough for my mental condition You can’t tell but I need a physician Sometimes I even hate myself Tired of keeping up the part Unbearable feeling, falling apart Nightmares they creep up in my head Can’t get a one night’s rest in bed Slit my wrist to drown out all my feelings I can’t trust, everyone’s always leaving Say I’m fine but I can be deceiving Sometimes I even hate myself Battlefield on my skin, you don’t get it Everytime that I cut I regret it Feel relief though I don’t recommend it Sometimes I even hate myself Leave me all alone with my own mind Tired all the time cause I disguise All of my own pain I hold inside Trying not to show my own poison Paint my face 'cause the real me is pointless Do my nails, just to rip me to pieces Lose my mind 'cause I don't wanna keep it Sometimes I even hate myself
NebulaCreation profile picture
One Second More
by NebulaCreation
Last post
 February 22nd, 2023
...See more TW: mentions of loss, d3@th, etc Three hearts were made Yet only one is beating Inside this vacant chest Like a desolate greeting Three lungs were made Yet only one is breathing Forever torn apart And never completing I count the numbers To steady by breathing But death keeps lurking And life keeps cheating One by one Count Count Count The numbers stay the same Always the same amount One One beating heart One working brain One crying mouth One horrid thought One Two Two breathing lungs Two empty hands Two tearing eyes Two soaring angels Two Three Three forever siblings Three fading smiles Three cracked hearts Three empty bodies Three One Two Three Keep on going One Two Three But the darkness is growing One second is all I ask One moment is all I need One instance to tell you my words One peaceful thought before I bleed Numbers won’t bring them back Counting won’t make them return Comfort won’t create a spark It’ll only leave me to burn I guess I can join the ashes Laughing underneath the tree Sharing that little music box With the angels, flying free Lend me your wings, brother And a golden halo alike I’ll shine as bright as you And be less human-like Oh to soar with you in the clouds No chains to hold me down Singing on the waves Without a fear to drown Hold my dear hand So empty and cold I’ll see you soon, right? That’s what I was told Three hearts were made Yet only one is beating But soon even my heart Will only be fleeting…
JessLeMess profile picture
TRIGGER WARNING? Please post terribly embarrassing and angsty poetry
by JessLeMess
Last post
 February 8th, 2023
...See more Hi, I find that when im really depressed, i get hella melodramatic. I find that reading other peoples angsty poems makes me look at myself and get it together a bit. Please feel free to post any terrible and / or horribly cringey depresso poems below :) here's one of mine: And it bleeds, The impurities seep from me And for a while I will be fine Until I am alive again And now there is one more to hide One more to be ashamed of And things are worse So much worse So now I'll Bleed Again thanks kiddos, lots of sadgirl love xx
willingSugar9815 profile picture
(triggering) Sorry, this is terrible song/poem. Couldn’t be stuffed to make it rhyme or flow
by willingSugar9815
Last post
 November 21st, 2022
...See more I’m a time bomb A container that’s about to over fill The urge is so strong I want to fight, i’m a day clean At the end of the day, what does this mean Its only say, nothing impressive I feel numb, sad and no longer me whats another mark to add to the collection the more the merrier right, not in this case Im going to fight, not letting myself or others down today
willingSugar9815 profile picture
Trigger Warning
by willingSugar9815
Last post
 November 19th, 2022
...See more The pain, numbness and confustion No one sees the pain only the illusion The mask she has is always up, protecting her darkest secrect Every jugemental look and comment, you let her progress be crushed She seem happy, smart, content and safe, well guess what, she not Its getting to much, its becoming to alot She makes sure no one can see, no on will know The pain she inflicts continues to flow The urge is so strong Even though she knows its so wrong. She screams for help but no one hears or shes the tears Shes exhauseted, scared and a time bomb waiting to explode Sorry, that was a horrible poem but it unfortunely sums up some of my feeling.
willingSugar9815 profile picture
(triggering) doesn’t really make sense, i have no energy to try
by willingSugar9815
Last post
 November 16th, 2022
...See more I’m suffocating and no one sees it I feel endless pain I have never felt so low when i no longer what to be here im confused but so scared i can’t do this i can’t focus i can barely focus i hate this endless acting when can a rest when can i finally be me the answer feels like never i want to cry but no tears come out the only person i can rely on is me but i don’t even trust me i’m struggling but no one sees it will someone see it, i’m scared and alone a bomb on a timer (I can’t do this no more, it’s so hard and i’m so scared, these thoughts are getting darker, i’ve never felt this way before but i feel so bad i just wish it would *** stop.)- sorry for swearing, but i have no energy to edit.
Alexija profile picture
Thoughts without a train
by Alexija
Last post
 August 13th, 2022
...See more Desperation without sound, Begging with nobody to forgive, Life without breath. Death without conclusion. Eyes that see too much. Thoughts without a railway. Screaming without choice. Pain to shatter the plane of existance. Hope
Luckyix profile picture
Comfort (drawing)
by Luckyix
Last post
 July 20th, 2021
...See more This is an old drawing I made related to the feeling of being hospitalized for self harm TW for iv drips and hospital gowns https://oyasumilucky.neocities.org/DA041EFB-2F70-4347-999F-6BA8C372D628.jpeg
Sadbunny26 profile picture
Sun is Setting (Trigger Warning: Blades, mention of Cutting)
by Sadbunny26
Last post
 May 22nd, 2021
...See more Sitting in my bedroom, the sun is setting Not gonna lie, back up plans lookin’ pretty tempting, Grades are a mess, future lookin bleak, Self esteem low, Demeanor weak, Gotta say, I think I finally hit my peak, Actually think I hit that a while ago Cause lately it’s been nothin but low after low Got nothing ahead for me, Things looking gray Half my brain lookin’ for reasons to stay But The other half making me feel like a Big F minus People mistaken my anxiety for shyness People saying need to get along with everybody Why I gotta fit in when I already copy copy others actions, copy others likes copy others opinions, like riding a bike It's hard at first but you get the hang of it eventually The real test is when you go home and pretend exceptionally They say “i like to draw.” you say Let's give it a try They say “the blade numbs all.” you say Let's give it a try You try to copy the smile and kind soul when in reality your minds as dark as a black hole Your parents in disbelief as you try to explain You try to talk it out, try to ease the pain You go to your bed, the mood upsetting Sitting in your bedroom, the Sun is Setting
Ghostyghoul profile picture
Barbed wire (poem)
by Ghostyghoul
Last post
 May 21st, 2021
...See more There's a castle on a mountain peak that gazes at the horizon line. It's sharp, reflecting bursting reds across waters flaked with wire. There's rust on bell towers and stains flooding sinks and streets. The princess is cold in her bed, basking in the second hands ticking away the promise of warm sun rays on the horizon. This kings throne, who peeks through glass at the waters edge, cannot see the dangers that linger beneath the surface. She can no longer await the morning glow and chases the wire beneath the tide. Chasing the warm red of the sunrise.

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 😊

Hướng dẫn cộng đồng

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