SelfharmUK

Gemma would ask for book vouchers if she could have anything to help her to look after her wellbeing at Christmas. She said "I like to read so a book voucher. I fall asleep quicker if I have been reading." Reading has actually been proven to give stronger feelings of relaxation than watching television or engaging with social media, allowing sleep to occur more easily

During an Alumina session, we asked Adam if, as a Christmas present, he could have anything to help him to look after his wellbeing, what would he ask for - he said "I'd ask for money for my next tattoo!" Some people find that a tattoo is a symbol that can motivate them and say a thousand words just by looking at it. Often people who have struggled with depression and self-harm say that for them, it is a constant reminder of hope and strength.

Ben has always found drawing helpful. When he was part of our Alumina support group learning new ways to manage his self-harming behaviours, we asked him if he could have anything for Christmas to help him to look after his wellbeing, what would he ask for? "Art supplies –as I like to draw how I’m feeling." Creating art can relieve stress, encourage creative thinking, and increase self-esteem and self-confidence

Emma is a young person who recently took part in Alumina, our online self-harm support programme. She told us that she would ask for bubble bath for Christmas to help her to look after her wellbeing: "I would ask for bubble bath - I love it in my bath!" A bath (with or without bubbles!) is a great way to look after your wellbeing as it helps to calm your mind and relax your body

For Christmas this year, we asked some young people who had taken part in our Alumina online self-harm support programme a question about Christmas. We asked them if, as a Christmas present, they could have anything to help them look after their wellbeing, what would they ask for and why? In the lead up to Christmas, we will be posting their answers and encouraging you to think about how you could help a young person to look after their mental health and wellbeing this Christmas 

BE CAREFUL, THIS POST HAS A TRIGGER WARNING.

If you enjoyed reading our Self Care Week blog on the SelfharmUK website, we guarantee you'll enjoy reading today's blog too! It's World Kindness Day and we're talking all about the importance of being kind to ourselves 💝

Checkout this empowering blog all about heartbreak on the Selfharmuk website! 💔 

Trick or Treat! In our latest blog, we're thinking about all the things that weigh us down, hold us back and drain us, as well as making our own Bandaged Mummies! Happy Halloween 🎃 

It's National Cat Day today!! 🐈 Check out this blog by Jo all about how animals can help us with our anxiety...

We hope you're having a relaxing half term so far! Last week at drop in was ‘relaxation week’. What’s drop in and why was it relaxation week we hear you ask? Read the blog here 👆