This content mentions self-harm. Please read with care. There are details of where to find help at the bottom of this page.
Self-harm is a very emotive topic. Many are scared to even talk about self-harm. But perhaps the scariest part is when you’re in the midst of it. When it’s all you can think about. When anything happens, whether a conversation or event or date comes around, the only thing on your mind is self-harm. This is the position that I was in, I was addicted to all the emotions and feelings that self-harm would bring me and couldn’t see a way out. I thought I’d be in this place forever, lapsing and relapsing and never truly being free.
Even years later, the thoughts are still there, but I’m now able to better manage the difficult emotions and fears and feelings that would trigger me previously. I’ve learnt better ways of coping and understanding myself and if you’re struggling, you can too. There is help out there. People that won’t judge. People that you can talk to or simply sit with until those thoughts pass. I spoke to my partner and my friends, taking each day at a time until it slowly worked its way out of my life. They didn’t have to say or do anything, simply be there to listen. It can take a lot of work and a bit of stubbornness to resist. After a time, the thoughts can pass. And you can recover.
If you need support with your mental health and wellbeing support is available. Contact the University Counselling and Wellbeing service counselling@bradford.ac.uk Tel: +44 (0)1274 235750.
The Counselling and Mental Health Service are located in Student Central, level 01.
Free and confidential service for students operated by Health Assured.24 hour helpline: 0800 028 3766
Students at the University of Bradford can now access a range of mental health and other support online. The uobwell app is free to students and hosts an array of support and is aimed at increasing mental health support amongst students. You can access the wellbeing web app on any device @ www.uobwell.co.uk The app is a great resource for students to help you maintain good mental health and wellbeing throughout your studies via useful tools and tips.
More information about the app and wellbeing events taking place at University can be found at @UoBWell and uobwell.info.
To find out how you can get involved get in touch by email- uobwell@bradford.ac.uk.
