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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. 
stormieandpaws profile picture
trigger warning slip up
by stormieandpaws
Last post
 Wednesday
...See more not sure were to put this but here seem like right place this last weekend we was very sick we had a friend who was demanding we text her and talk to her on phone every  day. this did not happen as when we sick we mostly sleep. well she blow up our phone also all day sunday we had told her at 11:05pm sat. night we was still sick and most likely not answer phone or texts  tomorrow that being sunday. she got mad tryed to get us to answer her text by thread to be done with us. she did almost same thing on frb 16th. well that night due to thoughts we came on 7cups. was trying hard not to acted on the thoughts. but after we went offline we end up stretching  our arm. it not bad at all but we feel shame, guilt, anger and as if we disappointed others too. we have really missed up this  last month with 2 slip ups after few years being self harm free. really not sure why we have been having so many serlf harm thoughts. even dreams about self harm this not happened before this in long time. truth is that  it kinda scary for  us right now.  we know this sounds stupid but we can trust more in like a group of people then one on one. we fearful of even trying to do one on one with listener too. sounds stupid right
stormieandpaws profile picture
trigger warning birthday and death
by stormieandpaws
Last post
 February 17th
...See more today our birthday we hate birthdays due to sexual abuse on our birthdays as kid and also due to use to get birthday spanks and pinch to grow on but was more like a beating. well today little over 3 hours ago our one best friend called us her dad passed away today. this hit us very hard. due to we know her parents. so fighting thoughts of wanting to self harm to numb the feeling away right now. but we not want to give in to them either why we came online as we just not know what to do about the feeling we are feeling right now at all we will not call the hot line as we had issues with them in past big issues. we can not email counclor at community mental health as that not allowed. so we came online as thought that might help some. but this been hitting us hard since she called first time. it was only 60 min after her dad died and she found out only a few min before that. her parents go to another' state in winter so they not here were we live. also her son in rehab  right now due to binge drinking. so she been calling us we trying to do our best to support her too. we feel awful that we struggling with the thoughts of SH as we should not be. but am
StayStrongNeverLoseHope profile picture
Don't go through it on your own, it's okay to not be okay
by StayStrongNeverLoseHope
Last post
 February 10th
...See more Reach out if you ever need support and things get too overwhelming, we care and we will listen <3
stormieandpaws profile picture
trigger warning self harmed after long time not
by stormieandpaws
Last post
 February 8th
...See more we went  few years self harm free but tonight we end up self harming just a very small cut but feel like end of the world to us right now not wanting to go back way use to be at all we know this was just a slip up but hurts a lot too we only just started feeling emotions from being numb a very long time the flooding of emotions getting to us a lot words from another here in chat also did not help was few days ago but it got us thinking in away that we a burden to others that we always not doing good that we less then others that we worthless to be heard and seen most them things been said to us over and over in our life we seem to be having a great battle inside with our thoughts a lot lately too see we live in high pain physically  24/7  with very little help from meds so ya we not doing well most the time and with trying to keep from self harming it a battle a lot angst  a unseen enemy  called physical  pain then add in this Sunday our birthday too were we was  sexually abused on that day was they said a birthday gift to us also physically  abused they said spanken and pinch to grow on but was more a beating and hard pinch from each of them too so fear even with us being safe is also here but also we feel we disappointed  others on here due to we did not reach out for help today we just ran off tried to handle the thoughts alone out of fear  of  comments being made that would hurt too so feeling shame guilt and  worthless right now the old words from abusers coming at us right now too sorry for everyone we disappointed too
venusnebula profile picture
~
by venusnebula
Last post
 December 31st, 2024
...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
poopiedookie profile picture
SELF HARM
by poopiedookie
Last post
 December 20th, 2024
...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.
eylah profile picture
I cant do this😭 tw
by eylah
Last post
 December 11th, 2024
...See more Im really struggling right now, I might need surgery for a relapse injury and im struggling tonight i want to cry shut but i cant. Im trying not to relapse bc then I’ll need more surgery etc i cant do this i cant. I give up 😭😭😭
ShyPine235 profile picture
I don't feel valid, even after 2+ years clean
by ShyPine235
Last post
 November 12th, 2024
...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.
juliak1968 profile picture
DON'T QUIT
by juliak1968
Last post
 November 1st, 2024
...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
hopelessgreenEyes profile picture
TW This girl made fun of me for sh and I have to room with her
by hopelessgreenEyes
Last post
 October 3rd, 2024
...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.  
Friendlychestnut4464 profile picture
Self harm ❗ trigger warning ⚠️
by Friendlychestnut4464
Last post
 January 8th, 2024
...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.
sage0not0found profile picture
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

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