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Hi sam, i’m 12 years old. i was wondering how to overcome suicidal thoughts and urges to self-harm? i am in a loving relationship with my boyfriend at the moment but whenever we fall out the tiniest i get the urge to harm myself, especially today. i want to be able to overcome relapses but i don’t know how.
Hi there,
Suicidal thoughts and urges to self-harm can feel scary. Many young people have told us that their thoughts of wanting to die or urges to self-harm can sometimes feel worse when something has happened that they find hard to cope with.
When you want to harm yourself, distractions can help. Our self-harm tool can help you find alternatives to self-harming and has ways to distract yourself and cope. Making a mental health first aid kit can also help you make a plan of what to do when the urges are building up.
Over time, learning new ways to cope and express yourself can help make the urges easier. Talking or getting support when you're having difficult or overwhelming thoughts is one of the most important ways to stay safe. There are lots of ways to start talking, and we’ve got advice to help. There are also lots of creative ways to express yourself.
You should always speak to a trusted adult when you feel like you want to end your life. Remember, Childline is a safe place to get support, our confidential promise talks about what happens if we were ever worried about your safety. In an emergency, you should always call 999.
Sharing ideas can also help. You can use the message boards any time to speak to other young people for support, or just to say hello.
Take care,
Sam
You can talk privately to a counsellor online or call 0800 1111 for free.
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