This content might introduce themes and ideas that may be confusing or shocking if you have not experienced them before.
Hi sam i need help to stop self harming as my mums really worried but its the only way to deal with daily life what can i do in replace of it which is less dangerous?
Hi there
Self-harm is one way that people cope with difficult feelings. There may be other reasons someone self-harms - such as punishing themselves, relieving stress or sometimes just to feel something when other emotions are numb. Whatever the reasons are it can be difficult to stop self-harming because it plays a role in your day to day life. Filling that role with something else is one important step towards stopping.
When trying to stop self-harming the first thing to do is think about what it means to you. What does self-harm give to you that makes you keep coming back? This is going to be different for everyone, but it's important to really think about what it is for you.
Mind has a good list of things that can help you cope with specific feelings when you have the urge to self-harm and also ways to cope in the long-term. Distractions and expressing feelings can be two of your most powerful tools against self-harm.
It might be that you need some outside help as well. There's no reason you need to do this all on your own. Getting professional help starts with your GP - you could make an appointment yourself or your parent or carer can do it for you if you prefer.
Childline is always here to talk. You can always talk to a counsellor when you feel like harming yourself as that can be both a distraction and a way to let your feelings out.
I'm glad you sent me this letter, thanks for getting in touch.
Take care.
Sam
You can talk privately to a counsellor online or call 0800 1111 for free.
You can ask me about anything you want, there's nothing too big or small. I read every single letter but I can only answer a few each week. My replies are published here on my page.
