Hi Eddie
Thank you for your letter and for telling me how you are feeling. You say that in the past you have used self-harm as a coping mechanism for difficult issues in your life such as your sexual orientation and adoption issues.
It sounds like you have done really well and managed to stop harming yourself as much recently. However, with all that you have going on, it sounds like you could really do with relieving your stress as it is never good to let our problems build up.
There is always a risk with self-harm that it could go too far and you could cause yourself serious damage. If you do self-harm it is really important to make sure your wounds are clean, you can do this by bathing them in warm water. If you cut yourself and it does not stop bleeding, you should call 999 immediately.
It is great that you have said in your letter that you have thought of finding other ways to relieve you emotions and stress. You may like to try one of the following:
- Write down your negative feelings on a piece of paper and rip it up
- Keep a book or diary of feelings
- Do something physical like running or swimming, or making a lot of noise
- Call a friend and talk to them
- Flick an elastic band on your wrist
You may find it helpful to have a look at this page on Self-harm.
Another great way to get support is by either reading or placing a message on our Self harm message board, telling other young people how you feel.
Have you spoken to anyone about your feelings around adoption and your sexual orientation? If you feel this is something that you might find helpful, you can contact one of our counsellors. You can either call us on 0800 1111 (this is a freephone number), or sign up for an account and use online chat or send an email.
Thanks again for you letter, take care for now.
Sam