The self-harm Project

Way to go!

“ (Dear mom and dad, please don’t kill me over this permanent choice. I want you to hear me out.) Today, I am coming out with something that only few of you know. I am ready to have a conversation about my mental illness. Last year, I was diagnosed with depression. And in all honesty, I believe it was a problem for quite a while before that, but I think it just got worse to the point of hardly functioning. So today, I got this tattoo. I feel that my leg was the best place for the meaning behind it. When everyone else sees it, they see “I’m fine,” but from my viewpoint, it reads “save me.” To me, it means that others see this person that seems okay, but, in reality, is not okay at all. It reminds me that people who may appear happy, may be at battle with themselves. To me, depression is the days that I feel sad for no reason. Depression is the mornings that I don’t feel capable of getting out of bed. Depression is the sleeping too much, or sleeping too little. Depression is the homework that I never completed, simply because I didn’t feel like I was capable. Depression is the break downs I have over absolutely nothing. Depression is the eating too much, or eating too little. Depression is the nights I begin to cry because I feel so overwhelmed, even though everything is going right. Depression is the 50 pounds I carry in my chest at all times. Depression is the need to constantly be distracted (being on social media, playing video games, watching movies or shows, or working all the time) because I can’t trust myself with my thoughts for longer than 3 minutes. Depression is the friendships that have suffered because of my inability to function. Depression is the hurtful thoughts and actions I have towards myself. Depression is the tears I have because I don’t know why I feel so worthless, when I know I should feel happy. This is one of the most difficult things to open up about because it’s extremely hard for me to feel vulnerable…but this needs to be talked about. Mental illness is serious, but so shamed in our society. We care so much for our physical health, but hardly a thing about our mental state. And that is seriously messed up. Mental illness is not a choice and will likely hit everyone at some point in their life. If it’s such a huge issue, why aren’t we having this conversation about it? That’s why I got this tattoo; they are great conversation starters. This forces me to talk about my own struggle, and why the awareness of it is important. You’d be surprised by how many people YOU know that struggle with depression, anxiety, or other mental illness. I may only be one person, but one can save another…and that’s all I could really ask for. Maybe this is part of why I am so interested in psychology. I want to help people who feel the way I have—and still do—because it’s hell. And I don’t wish that upon anyone. “I think the saddest people always try their hardest to make people happy because they know what it’s like to feel absolutely worthless and they don’t want anyone else to feel like that.” —Robin Williams **Also, THANK YOU to the ones who have helped me in this battle. I would not be where I am without you.**” Credit to: Bekah Miles ( https://m.facebook.com/bekahbearrr?fref=nf )

I don't think suicidal people get enough credit for not acting on their suicidal thoughts.

yazzamuffiny:

aha-itsme:

This post is for all of you who have survived the urge to end your life, either coming out the other side or still fighting to stay alive. 

I noticed how when someone has a physical illness such as cancer, and they come out the other side or even remission, they are able to celebrate surviving. I think all of the survivors of being suicidal should too.

Congratulations, and keep on fighting.

Thanks man

lifeisjustaferriswheel:

I’m yet to have seen a post about self harm alternatives when you’re not at home– many posts list household activities, but self harm urges can happen anywhere.

• Carry a worry stone or stress ball; squeeze or stroke with your thumb as necessary
• If shopping, go to a perfume or candle aisle and smell different scents for a sensory experience, especially if disassociating
• Breathing exercises: 7 second inhale, 11 second exhale
• Brisk walking
• Carry a small container of your favourite lotion, put a dab on your wrists and rub it in
• Massage your wrists, you get pressure and sensation, as well as stress relief
• Use a note app on your phone to write out how you want to harm. Vent. Then delete it.
• Alternately, open a drawing app and scribble in red “paint”
• Do a random act of kindness, even if it’s as simple as smiling to someone and holding a door open for them. I’ve learned that feeling appreciated eases my guilt-based urges.
• Chew strong mint or cinnamon gum
• Focus on people watching. Mentally note any trends such as colours, clothing choices, etc.
• Excuse yourself to go cry
• Play a game on your phone
• Call 911 or a suicide prevention line if you believe you are a danger to yourself.

Feel free to add to this list. Stay strong. xoxo

•Count things you see (tiles, lines, stores, cars, etc)
•Blow on your skin
•Sing to yourself
•Walk in a specific pattern
•Wear a bracelet to fidigit with
•Carry a small child’s toy with you to fidgit/play with
•Count your steps
•Create a game that you can play with yourself (or friends if you’re not alone!)
•listen to music

positivedoodles:

You don’t need to love your appearance for your appearance to be worth respecting. There isn’t a certain amount of self-love or body-love that you need to achieve in order to be worthy of respect and kindness.