Self-Harm Recovery

Self-Harm in Adults

Self-harm behaviours may start as a way to relieve the pressure of distressing thoughts or feelings which are overwhelming.

Adults practice self-injurious behaviour for several reasons. It is a mistake to believe that people self-harm in order to get attention. The majority of adults who self-harm do it as a method of coping with a stressor in their life.

While self-harm can affect people of any age and background, rates may be higher among particular groups such as: young women, those in receipt of benefits, people who are unemployed or economically inactive, and those who live on their own.

Self-harm or self-injury means hurting yourself on purpose. Some people feel an impulse to cause burns, pull out hair or pick at wounds to prevent healing. Extreme injuries can result in broken bones.

Perhaps you have noticed a friend or family member with frequent bruises or bandages. If someone is wearing long sleeves and pants even in hot weather, they may be trying to hide injuries or scarring.

Keep in mind that this is a behaviour that might be part of a larger condition and there may be additional signs of emotional distress. They might make statements that sound hopeless or worthless, have poor impulse control, or have difficulty getting along with others.

If you’re worried a family member or friend might be hurting themselves, ask them how they're doing and be prepared to listen to the answer, even if it makes you uncomfortable. This may be a hard subject to understand. One of the best things is to tell them that while you may not fully understand, you’ll be there to help. Don’t dismiss emotions or try to turn it into a joke.

Personal Story

My scars have been commented on inconsiderately and inappropriately by friends, health-care professionals, bosses and surprisingly mostly by complete strangers.

Here’s what I wish people would say:

‘Would you mind if I asked about your scars?’

Consent is EVERYTHING. If the person feels comfortable talking about them, they can give consent. If they don’t (and that’s totally okay), they can let you know they would rather not talk about it. Either way, by asking, you show compassion and respect for their feelings.

Katie, February , 2019

You are Unique

Who are you? You have been incredibly blessed to have this life. This is much bigger than you realize. A lot of people say, “I’m me. I’ve done this; I’ve done this. It’s no big deal.”

Well, let me tell you, you are completely unique. There’s no one like you on the face of this earth, and actually, you know this. The way you smile, the way you see, the way you think, laugh, cry, walk, the way you know and don’t know—is completely unique. Once you are gone, you will never be replaced—ever.

The miracle is that this breath came into you and you are alive. You can think and understand and feel. These are miracles, and they take place inside every human being.

Prem Rawat

For more information and support

Time for change https://www.time-to-change.org.uk

Women’s Health Support Centre (WHISC) https://whisc.org.uk/services/support-groups/

Beacon Counselling Trust https://beaconcounsellingtrust.co.uk

Emotional abuse is pervasive and cruel

You should feel proud of the strength and courage you have found within you to leave

Domestic or emotional abuse can happen to anyone; it does not discriminate, it happens within heterosexual relationships and in same-sex partnerships. The bottom line is that abusive behavior is never acceptable, whether from a man, woman, young or older person we as individuals deserve to feel valued, respected, and safe.

Domestic abuse will affect 1 in 4 women and 1 in 6 men in their lifetime

If you feel that you are constantly watching what you say and do in order to avoid a blow-up or have dread of being alone with that person it may be a strong indication of a emotionally abusive relationships that can over time destroy your self-worth, lead to anxiety and depression, and make you feel helpless and alone. 

In cases of severe emotional abuse, there may be no choice but to leave the relationship. Emotional abusers can only change so much as their behavior tends to be ingrained. If the abuser is not willing to change or get help for their abusive behavior, it is time for you to get your own help.

No one deserves to be abused and help is available. 

Abuse Articles http://www.rosswa.co.uk/signs-of-abuse-and-unhealthy-relationships/

Liverpool Domestic Abuse Service (LDAS)

Phone: 0151 263 7474

Freephone: 0800 084 2744

Services Mobile/Text for hard of hearing: 0756 201 3316

Opening Times:

Monday – Thursday 9am – 5pm

Friday 9am- 3pm

Rape and Sexual Abuse (RASA)

Telephone: 0151 666 139

Liverpool Refuge Provision:

Amadudu Women’s Refuge Liverpool

Telephone:​ 0151 734 0083

Grace House (South Liverpool)

Telephone:​ 0151 734 1074

Faye House (North Liverpool)

Telephone:​ 0151 207 1511

Housing Options – Emergency Accommodation

Telephone:​ 0151 233 3800

Tackling Violent Crime

Many of us think that a Knife attack only effected those who belonged to a gang. Yet recent statistics show a different picture. It is now estimated that 75% of those caught with a knife have no connection to gangs.

It is apparent that knife crime isn’t simply a case of youths using blades to inflict injuries on rival gang members but is much more than that. How many of us who hear about these crimes are only truly affected by them when a friend, family member or someone we know becomes a victim of it.

The consequences of a violent outburst can be devastating. In a split second, a family’s life can be changed forever.

Living in a area of the city that is considered safe should not exclude us from making it our concern to find out the reason why this is happening and make a simple effort in our own lives to not perpetuate this harmful mindset, that to look at ourselves and try to understand the underlying cause of the problem.

The evidence suggests scare tactics don’t work. It’s mostly about working with young people, having proper, ongoing conversations with young people about what it’s like to live in their area, what’s going on in their lives and trying to help them.” It has been proved that so-called hard men are also living in fear, thinking everyone’s out to get them. Nobody can live like that – it really is a damaging cycle of fear, danger and stress. But when they become ready to make a big change, we have to be ready to offer them positive life choices."

Knife crime and gangs: how a decade of bad policy left deprived young people without real choice

Article by Robert F. Hesketh

Lecturer in Criminal Justice, Liverpool John Moores University

Get Away 'N' Get Safe Gangs Prevention Programme

To educate, inspire and empower young people to take control of their future by rejecting the gang lifestyle

Peace Warriors

Reflects the amazing turnaround of a Bloods gang in Ecuador who, inspired by Prem Rawat years ago, began a journey of shifting their efforts from violence to peace.