Need someone to talk to

[Zelia]

Hi my name is Jacinta I am currently contemplating self harm but I know I shouldn’t and I just have no one to talk to about my feelings. If I capsule just even have someone to talk to please it would help.

[Sophie_M]

Hi Jacinta,

We are so sorry to hear how much you are struggling right now.  We know it isn't easy to reach out like this, but it is so important that you have. You've come to a safe and non-judgmental place where users give and receive support to one another based on their own esperiences of mental health.

The mental health procfessionals at our Support Service are trying to reach out ot you by email as we are worried about you. If you'd prefer to reach out to them yourself, they are available 24/7 on 1300 22 4636. Despite their name, our friends at KidsHelpline also offer support to young people aged 18-25 and have a 24/7 webcat service if you'd prefer to type rather than talk. Webchat counselling can be accessed here: https://kidshelpline.com.au/get-help/webchat-counselling

We think it's very brave of you to have reached out to our community like this. We want you to know we're here to provide you with as much support, advice and conversation as you need. While the peer support offered here is often quick, it is not immediate. For immediate support please reach out to the support services mentioned above.

If you are at risk of acting on these thoughts, then this is an emergency and you should call 000 straightaway.

[Aaronsis]

Hi Jacinta

I am really proud you have found your way here to find someone to talk to, we are here, even if it is just behind a computer, we care so very much and would like to hear more about what is happening for you, if you would like to share.

Self harm is a very misunderstood thing and while I understand that people do it to feel something when they are experiencing times of not feeling a thing, or to even get some of the extreme feelings out, there are some ways that might help to distract you or to engage you so that you can resist the urge to hurt your self.

As Sophie_M has mentioned there are some really great supports available and if you are in any danger right now please ensure that you call 000 and have an ambulance come to you.

I would like to chat some more to you Jacinta and to help you get some things of your chest, I will also put a link her to a thread that I have been chatting to people on who share some of the ways in which they distract and some of the ways in which they manage self harm, I will put the link here if you would like to read it:

https://www.beyondblue.org.au/get-support/online-forums/suicidal-thoughts-and-self-harm/instead-of-h...

Hugs to you Jacinta and hope to chat some more

Sarah

[SD0102]

Hi Jacinta, I’m glad you’ve decided to reach out here in these forums, there are so many wonderful people on here, that are listening & take the time to reply.

I too wish that there was someone I could just pick up the phone and talk too without feeling like a burden, but I have found these forums to be a good alternative.

I know sometimes it’s hard to put into words exactly what you’re feeling, but no one is judging you.

Please continue to reach out.

[Guest_4643]

I'm so sorry to hear that Jacinta, please know that we are all thinking of you and want you to be safe.

If you're feeling this way, I would suggest giving Lifeline a call, or Suicide Call Back Service. Otherwise if it's an emergency, please contact 000 ASAP.

Alternatively, there's some things you can do if you feel this way. The rubber band thing, is when you get a rubber band, or a hair tie or something, and gently snap it on your wrist when you feel this way. You can also draw on your skin where you want to harm yourself, aswell as put ice on you where you want to harm yourself. And you can try drawing a butterfly or something else that's nice on you, and the aim is to not hurt it, and of course yourself.

Please know you're loved and cared for and we're so sorry you're struggling. You're not alone, and please seek help.

- Tayla.

[bettertomorrows]

Hi Jacinta,

I'm really sorry that things are feeling rough for you. Welcome to this forum, I'm glad that you've found your way here. In times when I feel really down and need to speak to somebody but don't really feel comfortable speaking to friends, I've found that posting here has been a great source of comfort. I hope that if you're able and comfortable to, you might talk here to get some feelings out. You're most definitely not alone here. To add on some numbers to Sophie's post, these are some emergency mental health numbers you can call if you are in distress.

NSW – 1800 011 511 – Mental Health Line
Vic. – 1300 651 251 – Suicide Help Line
Qld – 13 43 25 84

SA - 13 14 65

WA – Mental Health Emergency Response Line
1800 676 822 (PEEL)
1300 555 788 (Metro)
Tas. – 1800 332 388 – Mental Health Services Helpline
NT – 1800 682 288 – Mental Health Line

ACT – 1800 629 354

When I'm not feeling in a good space and feeling that I need to release some emotions, I've recently taken to colouring, and I colour really really hard with a colouring pencil. I've downloaded an app called Calm Harm that has some alternatives to help "ride the wave". Sometimes distractions can help to just escape those thoughts for awhile. I've heard many people say something along the lines of "Even though you have these thoughts, you don't need to act on them" which has been quite comforting for me personally.

Take care Jacinta and let us know how you go when you feel up to it.

Boo