Calm Harm is an award-winning, free app developed to help people who are self-harming. Read more about it below!
Self-harm is when somebody intentionally damages or injures their body and is usually a way of coping with or expressing overwhelming emotional distress. Self-harm is more common than many people realise, especially among younger people. It can be brought on by any number of factors including social problems, trauma or psychological causes. These issues can lead to an intense build-up of anger, guilt, hopelessness and self-hatred, and if at this point you aren’t sure who to turn to for help, self-harming may become a way to release these pent-up feelings.
Treatment for people who self-harm usually involves seeing a therapist to discuss your thoughts and feelings, and how these affect your behaviour and well being. They can also teach you coping strategies to help prevent further episodes of self-harm.
If you're self-harming, you should book in to see your GP for help; however this isn’t always an immediate solution at the time when you are feeling an urge…
> Samaritans are open 24 hours a day and you can call them on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org- https://www.samaritans.org/
> Mind can be contacted between 9am and 6pm weekdays on 0300 123 3393 or by texting 86463 - https://www.mind.org.uk/
Both of these organisations are run with the intention of offering confidential help to people in distress such as those wanting to self harm and whoever you speak to will be totally understanding, non-judgemental and fully trained in how best to help you.
Of course you can always contact us here at Youth in Romsey (call, drop in or email) and we will be more than happy to chat with you and discuss what may be the most helpful way forward for you.
The urge to self-harm is like a wave. It feels the most powerful when you start wanting to do it. The Calm Harm app provides tasks to help you resist or manage the urge to self-harm. You can make it private by setting a password, and personalise the app if you wish. You will also be able to track your progress and notice change.
Tasks are split into the categories: Comfort, Distract, Express yourself, Release, Random and Breathe.
These are designed to encourage users to distract themselves from urges to self-harm and help manage their "emotional mind" in a more positive way. Calm Harm refers to this process as ‘riding the wave’ and as you do this, the urge to self-harm will fade.
This app is completely free and available to download from the App Store and Google Play. Please note that while the app is a helpful too in aiding treatment, it does not replace it and professional help should always be sought if you are self harming or feeling the urge to.
The most important thing to remember if you are self harming or feeling like you want to, is that you are not alone with this. There are many ways to get help and work away from self harm. It is nothing to be ashamed of.
If you have any questions or want to discuss your own concerns, get in contact with us, we want to hear from you!
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