No Secrets

Supporting those affected by self-injury

About Kerri

I’m Kerri and I’m 21 years old.

Self-injury has affected me for a long time now, but it was only in 2006 that I recognised it properly, when I started cutting myself. I got to a point of feeling like I couldn’t get through each day without self-harming. I felt it was my only release from the horrible and overwhelming emotions I struggled with every day. As depression took over me, my mental health deteriorated quickly.

 

 

After months of secret cutting, I was eventually admitted to a psychiatric ward after taking an overdose, and was treated there for 4 months.

After discharge, things seemed to have improved, but more stress made me feel like I couldn’t keep up with things and the self-injury got worse again. This time, I had the courage to speak about it to people who could help me. My GP referred me for further long term support with a psychologist, and I felt more able to talk openly to my family.

In June 2007 I started voluntary work with a local project. This boosted my confidence a lot, and it was somebody from this project who suggested a support group for those who self-injure may be a good idea. At first, I never would have thought it would happen. But after speaking to my mum about it, we decided to work together to provide support for people like myself, and also their families.

In October 2007 “No Secrets” was born. I have met some wonderful people so far and have made some fantastic new friends, who understand what I have been through. It’s amazing to know I am not alone, and it’s even more amazing to be told how much of a difference the group has made to other people’s lives.

I look back and think about each member and how much they have changed and grown since the first time they came to the group. Each and every one of the has gained so much confidence and made friends.

For me to be part of that is really special. I would never have thought this would ever happen, but it is happening, and more of us now know we have other people who understand.

To contact Kerri directly, you can email her or call 07964 226657

The support group for those who self-injure runs fortnightly on Wednesdays between 6-8pm at the Millennium Drop-in Lounge

© No Secrets 2008