Self Harm like any mental Illness carries a Stigma.

There are many reasons why people self harm. In most cases it is due to sexual abuse. During countless hours of talking with people who self harm I have observed that they have low self esteem, feel alone and believe no one cares.

Self Harm in Schools is getting out of control and needs to be addressed. Take Control Of Your Life / Self Harm To Self Care (previously known as the Self Harm Support Group) was founded  by me in 2007. As a self harmer myself I found that I needed more help  than Mental Health professionals could provide. I have then decided to do something about addressing the urgent need for help by self harmers.

I have done a lot of hard work because the Stigma was out there. Many people said a support group would never work. However, they were wrong as the group is doing very well.

There are a few rules  that all members must follow:

• they must have a counsellor; and
  
• seek medical  help when needed
  

It has been a long time since I self harmed. I am now focused on helping those that are going down the same road as I once did.

I have been asked if there is any help for the parents of self harmers. The answer is NO,  but this may change in the near future as our organisation is in the process of establishing such a service.

A message to the parents of self harmers from me:

If you have a family  member that does self harm  give them all the support you can to STOP. 

Mary Jane
Founder

Address	4 Steying Way Westminster, Perth Westminster WA 6061
Tel	08 9349 66 99