Alex's Answer

Hi there, thank you for reaching out to us at Ask Alex.

You have been very brave in opening up about cutting yourself. This is your safe space to chat about whatever is on your mind.

It sounds like you enjoyed the adrenaline that comes with self-harm, which is understandable. When we hurt ourselves like this, it is sometimes to cope with hard or difficult feelings, and it can become a bad habit where we use it to deal with life’s challenges. What has been going on for you recently, and how have you been feeling?

You have been very brave talking with Ask Alex about cutting yourself. Do you have an adult in your life whom you trust and with whom you could talk about this? Do you think it would be helpful for you to find a way to cope with difficult feelings without resorting to cutting yourself?

You have the right to live a happy and fulfilling life and to learn healthy ways to cope with the harder times. There are several places where you can receive advice and support for self-harm or cutting yourself. Pieta House (www.pieta.ie/how-we-can-help/helpline/) and 3ts Turn the Tide (www.3ts.ie/information-support/mental-health-concerns/self-harm) both offer guidance and support options for dealing with self-harm, as well as for those supporting someone who self-harms.

How do you feel about talking to your GP about your self-harm? Your GP can refer you to further help.

Remember that Childline is always here for you if you want to talk about this further. You can call Childline on 1800 66 66 66 or reach out through our webchat service, by clicking on the purple Messenger circle at www.Childline.ie. Childline is a non-judgmental and confidential service, so it is a safe space to talk. We are here 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Please know that you are not alone, we are here for you any time, for any reason. Look after yourself,

Alex