National Self Harm Awareness Day

eatmeingo

As eating disorders can be considered a form of self harm (and often include more "common" acts of self harm as a result,) I think this goes here.

Who's wearing orange today?

Hopefully this'll go over better than the posts about February being ED Awareness Month. Seriously people, show a little support.

Unfortunately, most websites for Self Harming do not recognize over eating or binging as a form of Self Harm. I have tried to contact selfinjury.org seeking more information, or requesting that they provide information to others regarding this matter...and the contact information was no good. The email was returned. That's sad because people that binge, are serving the same purpose as someone who cuts, burns, etc. And others should be aware of it all!!!!

A lot of places/people don't even recognize binge eating/over eating as a disorder. Sure, some people are just natural over eaters but for people seriously suffering from doing it and wanting help should get the same love and support that someone wanting help for anorexia or bulimia do! ♥ It's a serious issue, no matter what form it takes.

livinginwoods

I had no idea today was this day but I am glad there is a day like it. I work with teens in our youth group who have cut themselves, pulled out their hair, attempted suicide and yes have eating disorders. It is an issue that many people close their eyes to.

ALW65

I'm happy I actually remembered about it today!

This morning I drew an orange pair of angel wings over my old reminder scars on my wrist

Good for you. I'm not at the point of having old scars without new ones, but on days like today I have more hope than ever.

You hang in there and you'll be in a whole new, wonderful place. Look at what a wonderful thing you're doing to take care of yourself by being on here. Someone very near and dear to me was cutting, but she's done well for at least six months now I'd say. She did a lot of "writing love on her arm" and had a butterfly bracelet from a local support group. I'll be thinking of you and all the other ladies on here dealing with this. I'll have to let her know today's a special day!

Thanks original poster for sharing the information!

ALW65

I hope no one minds me posting this, but I think it could be useful for anyone in a university setting. A couple of years ago, I was one of the founding members of a chapter of Active Minds (activeminds.org) at my school. It's a national organization (over 300 chapters now! ) and was started by a girl whose brother committed suicide. The aim of the group is to spread mental health awareness and fight against stigma on college campuses through peer support.

We held events and information tables about concerns like stress management, eating disorders, depression, and self-harm. A lot of students didn't take it seriously, but there were a handful who confided in us, who asked questions and allowed us to refer them to the school's counseling center. I believe wholeheartedly in supporting and accepting each other, and I feel like Active Minds encourages people to do just that.

Again, I hope no one minds me posting this, but I like to take every relevant opportunity to tell people about Active Minds, because it was so important to me.

I think you're WONDERFUL for posting this :flowerforyou:

eatmeingo

I'm happy I actually remembered about it today!

This morning I drew an orange pair of angel wings over my old reminder scars on my wrist

Good for you. I'm not at the point of having old scars without new ones, but on days like today I have more hope than ever.

You hang in there and you'll be in a whole new, wonderful place. Look at what a wonderful thing you're doing to take care of yourself by being on here. Someone very near and dear to me was cutting, but she's done well for at least six months now I'd say. She did a lot of "writing love on her arm" and had a butterfly bracelet from a local support group. I'll be thinking of you and all the other ladies on here dealing with this. I'll have to let her know today's a special day!

Thanks original poster for sharing the information!

No thank you. Please tell your friend that random people on the internet care about her and are sooooo super proud of her going that long without it!

I just hope my post will help at least one person out there who could read it and see people care about them and don't feel so alone in all of it.

lultimameta

Didn't wear orange, but I did have red and black, which if I remember correctly are the older S.I. awareness colors. I know more than I need to about the subject, and am glad to see that so many people care on here! Love to all you guys!

sandown12

I know this is old but I found out last week my 16 year old is self harming now Im at a loss what to do x

dreamshadows

Sorry to hear your child is self harming. My best advice is to get into therapy quickly before it becomes the only coping strategy they have. Talk to them as well.

I've been self harming since I was 6. I wish I had help long ago.

If you know why they self harm, you might help them cope better. Me I no longer care if I live or die. The more time past the more dangerous my game became. I self harm to know I'm alive, reset pain, escape.

Best advice I can give is get help from a therapist asap.

cherrybomb_77

I used to struggle with self-mutilation. 15 years later I still have some nasty scars from it. I have some orange on today!