There is not enough recognition for harm reduction, if you have done anything recently to reduce the harm of self-harm, drug use, eating disorder, or anything else you're doing great and I'm proud of you.
I just want to relapse. I'm failing everyone. I'm a shit friend. A shit sibling and a shit daughter. I just can't do this anymore. I want to slit my veins and just have it all be over. But that would just be another way I failed everyone. I don't know what to do. I'm useless and a burden, and I don't deserve to live. Maybe I should just relapse and stop pretending like I'm not cutting because I'm better when I'm not.
[Image description: a banner with red text on a black background. The text reads, "harm reduction is for SH too" /end ID]
This information is also on my website here!
Safer self-harming & first-aid:
Cutting the Risk (free book an sh harm reduction, first aid + anatomy info) (my favourite)
More Accurate Diagram of Safer Spots For Self Injury, made by an EMT with a phlebotomist, a paramedic, and nurse. No image description.
My website (wip), first aid for cuts, info on infections + first aid for (mild) infections, info on blood vessels, DIY first aid supplies
how to make butter fly bandages (image described)
Harm Minimisation, a brief guide to harm reduction for self-harm
Avoiding self-harm:
Calm Harm, an app that helps you “ride the wave” of self-harm urges. Free in the UK and US, charges may apply else where.
The Hurt Yourself Less Workbook (edited to remove some fatphobic language + images of self-harm, original here)
Finding useful distractions/displacements, distractions and displacements, delaying self harm (more distractions/alternatives, even more distraction/alternatives)
Helplines & other supports
Self-injury Support's (uk) webchat, phone, text, and email support services. webchat, phone, and text support have limited hours, see website. emails replied to with a week. (does not track ip/location, if identifiable info (i.e. name, location) about you or another person who is "is at risk of significant harm or death" or is hurting someone else is given it will be passed on (i.e. to emergency services))
alternatives to harmful crisis lines (USA focused, some resources available in Canada)
Misc:
@self-harm-harm-reduction, my blog. feel free to send an ask if you have harm reduction questions
Self-injury support (uk charity, lots of online resources)
What is a self-harm harm reduction plan
Self-harm report card, "this report card can be used if seeking treatment for an injury – for example given to health professionals"
Self-injury Support's resource library (resources not made by SiS found here, for resources by SiS check the "self-help info & resources" section of the menu)
How do I ask a friend to stop intentionally showing their fresh sh wounds? It's extremely triggering, and I really don't want to relapse. I'm fine with people showing scars and stuff, but I think the fresh stuff should really be covered until it's healed. I don't want to seem insensitive or pushy but idk how to ask without seeming like a jerk. I'm open to suggestions and please lmk if you think I'm being overly sensitive and should just be okay with them showing non healed sh.
Edit: For example they were wearing a zip up jumper but deliberately had the shoulder with fresh sh out. There was literally no reason for them to have it out other than to show their sh. I'm worried about upsetting them and angering my other friends who all seem to act like it's a normal and okay thing. Maybe I'm the issue but idk it just seems messed up.
