No Secrets

Supporting those affected by self-injury

© Copyright No Secrets 2008 Design by Kerri Jones

Hi, I’m Kerri and I’m 23 years old.

Self-injury has been part of my life for a very 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 2007 I decided I wanted to bring others who were struggling like me, together. And 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.

The best part of this for me is seeing the changes in the group members. Many of the group members were lacking in confidence and struggling to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Now, some of them are working with me as volunteers and taking on roles within the group.

For me to be part of this 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.

The group as a whole are extremely relaxed and we welcome anybody over 16 years of age who either want support, or want to support others. Not all of our time is spent talking about self-injury, and a lot of the discussions are positive, upbeat and often leave us feeling happier. Wednesday evenings are now something I look forward to. I love going to the group, and I wouldn’t change it for the world!

Thank you to those of you who have supported me and helped me get this far, and well done to current members who have grown in confidence and helped others!

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