​Want to stop harming? Put a plan in place.

Just stopping self-harming suddenly is probably the toughest way of recovering...

Write a plan of action for how you will manage when the urges come (as they will, they are powerful and strong): 

  • what will you do physically (e.g. excerise, punch pillows, relax in a bath...)?
  • what will you do mentally? How will you distract your mind from thinking about the urges?
  • What will you do emotionally? Will you talk to someone? Could you draw or write about how you're feeling?

Put a plan together and keep it with you, maybe on your phone so you can have it to hand at all times as the urges may well get stronger. On the whole, it takes about 6 months for the urges to go, so your brain needs to be retrained as to how to handle these thoughts and feelings.

Most importantly: you can do it!

You have made the decision to stop harming; you have chosen to throw away the blades. You have acted on the thought of recovery. The steps to recovery aren’t easy but with a plan in place, you will do it! 

ALUMINA

Alumina is a free, online 7 week course for young people struggling with self-harm. Each course has up to 8 young people, all accessing the sessions from their own phones, tablets or laptops across the UK. The courses take place on different evenings of the week and are run by friendly, trained counsellors and volunteer youth workers. You don’t need an adult to refer you or sign you up, and no-one will see or hear you during the sessions – you’ll just join in via the chatbox. We want to help you to find your next steps towards recovery, wherever you are on your journey.

Find out more