Pat's Answer

Hi there, you are very welcome to Ask Pat.    

Thank you for contacting us. We understand that it’s not always easy to share our worries and concerns, but we also know how important it is to talk about how we are feeling. 

We are concerned to hear you are self-harming. This is not an easy thing to be going through. You have asked how you can stop cutting which suggests that you are looking for help; this is a very brave step. You have a right to be happy and feel safe, and you have the right to be listened to and be heard. Have you spoken to a trusted adult in your life about harming yourself? This adult could be a parent, guardian, teacher, friend, or school counsellor. It is important for your mental well-being that you get the help and support that you deserve and to talk about why  you are self-harming. Have you thought about talking to your GP? You do have the right to medical advice and to seek support from a counsellor too if this is what you need.  

You do not have to go through this alone. There are organisations you can contact that can offer you help and support. One such organisation is Jigsaw which you can find here: www.jigsaw.ie.  This website may help you understand what is going on for you. You can look through their information and they may offer you direction in how to avail of supports. www.pieta.ie is another website you can visit. This organisation gives help to people who are self-harming like you. You might also like to read some articles on the Childline website: https://www.childline.ie/how-i-feel/. 

If you are finding it hard to talk to those in your life whom you are close to, you are very welcome to chat with the Childline Team by phone on  1800 66 66 66  or by text on  50101  or through our web chat on www.childline.ie. Childline services are free and confidential, and are available 24 hours, 7 days a week.   

Thank you for reaching out to us. 

Take Care, 

Pat