Messages of Hope
I believe that some of the best teachers I have had are the kids who I have had the privilege of working with throughout the years. They exhibit strength and resilience, and their persistence deserves to be acknowledged. Many of the kids I work with have been kind enough to offer words of wisdom that other kids desperately need to hear as they start their own healing journey. It is never too late. Here are some words of wisdom for others who are hurting, who may feel isolated and alone, from a sixteen year old who has worked hard on her own journey at standing up to both suicide and self-injury:
“… It is like running a marathon. The gun goes off and you start sprinting. About, 2 hours in, say your leg gives out. You want to sit and not run anymore because the pain and discomfort follows you. You want to go back to start because it seems more reasonable to get there and get help. What you don’t seem to see is that the finish line is just up ahead of you…When you begin to feel discomfort or pain, you must pick yourself back up and take baby steps to get to the finish line, giving yourself time to adjust and heal… Give yourself time to build up strength and take time to stabilize yourself. No need to rush. You got this, don’t try and turn your back on the finish line because you are scared and in discomfort. Pace yourself and get to the end! You are all winners!”
You are uniquely you, so stop comparing. There is something in you, nobody withholds, but you. Are you the geek who plays video games and has straight A’s? What about the musical girl in the hoodie? Do what you love, do it for the better good. Don’t let the world tell you who you are or who you need to be. Show that you are like nobody else…You need to tell yourself that you are worthy, worthy of love and being loved.”
“Don’t let the fear of failure keep you from living your life.”
Podcasts:
Websites and Articles:
Self-Harm Text Hotline | Crisis Text Line
Self-injury/Cutting – Diagnosis and treatment – Mayo Clinic
National Alliance on Mental Illness
Psychology Today – What Is Self Harm?
Cutting & Self-Harm: Warning Signs and Treatment
To Write Love On Her Arms – Myspace
Books and Workbooks:
Order – Clear View Counseling and Consulting
Healing Self-Injury: A Compassionate Guide for Parents and Other Loved Ones
Treating Self-Injury, Second Edition: A Practical Guide
Stopping the Pain: A Workbook for Teens Who Cut and Self Injure
When Your Child is Cutting: A Parent’s Guide to Helping Children Overcome Self-Injury
