[Palmolive]

Hi there.

Firstly, be really proud of yourself for reaching out to us here at Teenhelp. I know that in itself can be a really big step for some people and can take a hell of a lot of courage so well done for it. I hope we can help you.

I want to point out in this, that YOU are the person who can save yourself. No one else in the world can save yourself, but yourself. Other people like us here at Teenhelp, can help you through the rough times, support you and advice and encourage you, but the work has to come from you at the end of the day. So it might be a long and a hard journey but it will also be a journey which is well worth taking.

You say you have now been diagnosed with depression, correct? Was it a psychiatrist that diasgnosed you? I am wondering whether because of this, you have any out-patient support such as a specialist social worker, a therapist, counsellor, community psychiatric nurse etc? If not, then maybe that's something you can ask about if you feel you'd benefit from having someone to talk to and not only is it about having someone to talk to, but these people are professionals, they'll be able to teach you techniques and help you to learn ways to cope and deal with how you feel and think and what's going on for you or has gone on in the past. It's just a thought if you already don't have that support in place.

Here is Teenhelps list of alternatives to distractions: http://www.teenhelp.org/forums/f12-s...ves-self-harm/. When you're feeling really down and low or sad and have urges to harm yourself or even to kill yourself, try using these distractions. Now, it's a long list (and there's even more than that's on there!) but not everything is going to work good for you so it's about you trying things and not giving up on everything, when something doesn't work for you, okay? Its so important that you don't just give in because something doesn't help you. You will find things, trust me, it just takes a bit of time and work. Distractions and alternatives can be great but more so in the short term because they're just helping in the moment, you still need to work through the underlying issues causing the urges which is why I suggested trying to get some emotional support in place.

I know that this is all really hard for you right now and I can understand the frustration you must be feeling and how horrible it must be to feel the way you do each day and having to try and beat the same thing again and again, but with help and support and as long as you stay focused and determined, you will get there and you will get through this and you;'ll be glad that you never gave up because it's going to be worth it. Your life is worth it. More importantly, you are worth it. Self harm isn't the way to deal with this at all. It's not going to help you in the long run but could make things a lot worse. Okay? You don't need it. Remember, you're in control of your actions. You can stop yourself from hurting yourself and even though it's hard, it's possible so keep fighting.

Take good care of yourself,
Jessie.