It hurts to feel stuck. If you hurt yourself on purpose, you may feel scared, sad, or alone. We want you to know we care. You are not alone.
What Is Self-Harm?
Self-harm is when someone hurts their own body on purpose. This can be cutting, burning, or hitting. Some people do it to make big feelings stop. It may help for a little while, but it can cause real harm.
Why People Hurt Themselves
People hurt themselves for many reasons. Some of these are:
- To make strong feelings go away.
- To feel something when they feel numb.
- To feel in control.
- After a scary or sad event.
- Because they feel very alone or hopeless.
These reasons do not make someone bad. They show that the person needs care and help.
You Can Learn New Ways to Feel Better
You can learn safer ways to cope. Small skills can help when urges come. Try these:
- Take slow breaths. Breathe in for four, out for four.
- Hold a cold cloth or an ice pack for a minute.
- Squeeze a soft ball or a pillow.
- Draw or write how you feel and then rip the paper.
- Call a friend or someone you trust.
- Move your body, walk, stretch, or jump for a few minutes.
These steps may feel small. They can help a lot over time.
How We Help
We listen with care. We make a plan that fits you. We use talk and medicine if needed. We help your mind, body, and spirit. We keep you safe and respected.
We help with many things, such as:
- Mood problems like long sadness
- Trouble paying attention (ADHD)
- Problems with drugs or alcohol
- Behavior problems in children and teens
- Women’s mental health
- Trauma and grief
- Self-injurious behaviors
- Hard life changes
- Spiritual and personal growth
- Developmental delays
What to Expect in Care
When you come to us, we will:
- Listen to your story. We will not judge.
- Check your safety and needs.
- Make a simple plan you can try now.
- Teach skills to help you stay safe.
- Use medicine only if it can help.
- Work with your family if that is right.
We proceed at a speed that feels comfortable for you.
If You Feel Ready To Get Help
Asking for help is brave. You do not have to do this alone. If you are in danger right now, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency room.
If you are not in immediate danger, tell a trusted adult or call our clinic. We will listen and make a plan with you.
How Family and Friends Can Help
If someone you care about is hurting, try to:
- Listen without blame.
- Say you care and want them safe.
- Help them make a safety plan.
- Take away things they might use to hurt themselves, if it is safe to do so.
- Stay with them if they are in danger and call for help.
- Encourage them to see a doctor or counselor.
Small acts of kindness can make a big difference.
Safety Plan: A Simple Guide
A safety plan helps when urges start. You can try this:
- Write down signs that warn you an urge is coming.
- List safe things you can do instead.
- Name people you can call.
- Make tools for harm hard to reach.
- Keep emergency numbers where you can see them.
We can help you make a plan that fits your life.
Hope Is Real
Change takes time. It can feel slow. Many people learn new ways to cope. They find joy again. You deserve to feel safe. You deserve to heal.
About Ancient of Days Psychiatry, LLC
Your story matters. Your healing is our mission. We give kindness and care for many needs. Susan Gilbert leads our team. She is a Board-Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner who assists with mental health. We assist children, young adults, older adults, and seniors. We listen with care and help you seek hope.
Getting Started
If you wish to converse, we are here to listen. Call or message our clinic to make an appointment. We will greet you with kindness.
If you are in crisis now, call your local emergency number or a crisis line right away. If you are safe, reach out to someone you trust and tell them you need help.
FAQs
Q. Is it okay to tell someone I am hurting?
Yes. Telling someone is brave. We will listen and help without judging.
Q. What if I am in danger right now?
If you are in danger, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest hospital right away.
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