I work with...

[rambot]

Hey folks.
I am not a self harmer but I work in a treatment centre for youth and we frequently have self harmers go through our doors. I've been exposed and provided first aid (or phone for ambulances) more than a few times.
Now, it has left me with some emotional scars and memories I'll never be able to get rid of.

I guess I'm putting myself and this post out there to hear from you, what kinds of things have you done/had said to you that have made significant impacts on that journey past self harm; to better coping strategies.

In our complex we tend to have youth with fairly strong borderline personality disorder traits (and these kids, invariably self harm). If you have any additional advice on helping these types, please let me know.

 

[Kristen.NewCreation]

In my experience, my therapist said "if you're gonna cut, you're gonna have to do it in the ER." I was angry, but it worked because I was not going to do that.

Coping skills... writing has been a big one... using distraction big time, initially using a red water color marker and coloring all over with it then getting in the shower so it looked like what I wanted to feel.

 

[SHETALKSTOANGELS]

Perhaps my story is a bit different and I may be the oldest person on here, so my story is a very very old one.

The only thing that made me stop cold turkey was that the last time I did it, I nearly died, it was like a smack to the back of the head.

My heart bleeds for those still in the trenches fighting.

 

[Celticroots]

In my experience, my therapist said "if you're gonna cut, you're gonna have to do it in the ER." I was angry, but it worked because I was not going to do that.

Coping skills... writing has been a big one... using distraction big time, initially using a red water color marker and coloring all over with it then getting in the shower so it looked like what I wanted to feel.

I'd never go to a therapist who spoke to me like that.

 

[Kristen.NewCreation]

So much of everything else we had worked on (over a couple years had been incredibly helpful and healing. This wasn't my favorite situation, but we had a good history and this wasn't her typical response to where I was. I know she was worried. That said though, it is definitely not everyone's fit for every therapist and what worked for me won't always work for someone else. Thanks for sharing.

 

[Zoii]

Writing a journal. Developing a relationship with your therapist. In my case I'd give my journal to her to read and it formed a basis for discussion.

Exercise is important and for me art as well.
<Staff Edit>

Family support is major

 

[Celticroots]

Writing in a journal has helped me a lot, as well as seeing a therapist, who I sometimes let read an entry. Exercise and keeping my hands busy knitting or making jewelry helps too.

I second family support, even if it’s just from one person you feel close to.

 

[God's Child]

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