Pat's Answer

Hi, you are very welcome to Ask Pat. 

We know it can be difficult sometimes to understand how we are feeling and what our thoughts are about why we hurt ourselves. In sharing what is going on in your life with us, you have taken a brave step forward, thank you.    

You say you are self-harming, and you are asking us why you feel you do this to yourself. It sounds like you have such a lot going on for you, in your thoughts and feelings.  

We are concerned to hear you are self-harming. 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 an 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 look at which can offer help and support to you. One such organisation is 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 a direction in how to avail of supports. www.pieta.ie is another website, and they can give 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.  

Childline is here for you whenever you would like to talk or chat. We would love to hear more about what is going on for you, we are here to listen. 

Take care of yourself,

Pat