Self-Injury Awareness Day

[Okami]

So, if you know me at all, you know self-harm and its recovery are my passion and ministry focus.

Today, being Self-Injury Awareness Day, is a day to support those in the struggle, to start conversations and discussions of education, and change to break stigma and misconception. It is unfortunate just how unaware and misinformed those in the church are, and it is my hope to be a change in that!

Today those of us most impacted and affected by self-harm are wearing orange and spreading the word in every way possible; I know my social media is blown up with images, blogs, and inspirational words to remind people they are loved and ought to keep fighting for their recovery.

So what can you do?

Get the facts. Begin understanding reasons behind a person's pain.
Be there for others. Let them know they're not alone.
Seek treatment and counseling if you are dealing with self-harm; get support.

Some sites to help you begin...
LifeSigns - http://www.lifesigns.org.uk/
Self-Injury Foundation - http://www.selfinjuryfoundation.org/
S.A.F.E. - Self-Abuse Finally Ends - http://www.selfinjury.com/
TWLOHA - To Write Love on Her Arms - http://www.twloha.com/
Cornell Research Project on Self-Injurious Behavior - http://www.crpsib.com/

[Sheenar]

I shared your blog entry on my Facebook if that's okay. You did a fantastic job of explaining what self-injury is and isn't, sharing your experiences and your heart. I pray that God continues to use you to speak hope and truth into people's lives.

[akorecki1]

All I can say is Thank You! That used to be me.

[Okami]

I shared your blog entry on my Facebook if that's okay. You did a fantastic job of explaining what self-injury is and isn't, sharing your experiences and your heart. I pray that God continues to use you to speak hope and truth into people's lives.

I've been humbled by the response towards the blog....It's been an honoring experience, giving me positive feedback that I'm on the right track with my paper.
Thank you for sharing it - that was definitely a goal, to spread the word and spark conversation as to why these things need to be addressed more often.

All I can say is Thank You! That used to be me.

And thank you for letting me know! I appreciate knowing this is helpful.


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Today was a great day, overall. It's been a tough week, but SIAD was an encouragement to me that I can be a leader, people will listen to what I have to say, people actually care, and perhaps change can be made without a huge fight. I know it's come around time and time again as to why taking Scripture in context is so important, and I think it goes that in taking it out of context, people can be hurt by it; don't do it! is a huge factor when I look at my own experience.

So...yeah...I'm super pumped for where this is going and will actually not be an end (SIAD only being a day, or March being an awareness month) - but a launching pad to the rest of this semester as I prepare to take on further leadership in this manner and also have the opportunity to present the material of my written project!

[steenajack]

WHere is your blog post?

[Okami]

WHere is your blog post?

Oh! I had posted it in the Status thread. Here you go.