Alex's Answer

Hi there and welcome to Ask Alex.

 

We know that it can be a difficult thing to reach out and talk about what’s going on for you, but we feel that this can be a helpful thing for young people, so thank you and well done for taking the first step.

 

You have asked what to do when you feel like harming yourself.

 

Mind, an organization fighting for everyone’s access to mental health, suggests three steps to help yourself when feeling intense urges to self-harm:

– Understanding your patterns of self-harm

– Distracting yourself from the urge to self-harm

– Delaying self-harm

You can read the entire article by clicking on this link: www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/self-harm/helping-yourself-now/

 

We want you to know that you’re not on your own, and you don’t have to deal with this by yourself. You have a right to get help and support. Is there a trusted adult that you can talk to about what is going on in your life at the moment? This person could be a parent, teacher, aunt, uncle, or older cousin?

 

If you feel that you need support and guidance from a professional, go to your GP or a hospital. Medical professionals can refer you to a specialist who can provide you with further help.

 

You can find more information and support around your mental health at the following organizations:

– Mental Health Ireland www.mentalhealthireland.ie/

– Pieta House www.pieta.ie/

– Samaritans www.samaritans.org/ireland/samaritans-ireland/

– HSE’s Your mental health www.mentalhealthireland.ie/your-mental-health/

 

Pieta House also has a range of services to support people who self-harm. There is a 24-hour crisis helpline, 1800 247 247, and a messaging service texting HELP to 51444. They also have therapy services fully dedicated to the matter.

 

If you would rather speak to someone outside of your family, friends, or school, we are always here for you at Childline by clicking on the  Live Chat button on this website, or giving us a call on 1800 66 66 66. You can talk about anything you want to, and we are here to listen to whatever you would like to say. Childline is open 24 hours a day, every single day. You never have to be alone. What about giving us a call the next time you feel like harming yourself, and we can support you with not doing so.

 

Take care of yourself,

Alex