Ask Jigsaw: Feel alone and bite myself

Monday, 23 November 2020

I feel really alone right now I don’t feel I can tell my parents. I cry when nobody’s around and I bite my hand instead of cutting, it hurts but it helps me feel better. if you have any tips any at all that would mean a lot thank you.

-Doglover88

Hi Doglover88,

I am sorry to hear that you feel alone right now and it feels like you cannot tell your parents. However, you should know that you are not alone.

Self-harm

If the thoughts of harming yourself feel overwhelming, you can contact Pieta House on 1800 247 247 or Text ‘HELP’ to 51444. You can also text ‘HELLO’ to 50808 for support from a trained volunteer. Both services are available 24/7. You deserve to feel supported and safe.

I can understand why you would bite your hand when you are feeling overwhelmed. Self-harm can sometimes be a way to cope with strong feelings like feeling down or loneliness and isolation. Although it might feel good in the short term, it usually doesn’t help in the longer term. However, there are other things you can do to manage the overwhelming feelings if they do show up. For example the calm harm app includes some helpful activities that you can do if the urge to bite or cut yourself does arise.

Kevin

Jigsaw clinician

When we share our problems and connect with others we gain new insights or a new way of looking at things.

Talk to someone

I know it’s hard to talk to your parents, but when we share our problems and connect with others we gain new insights or a new way of looking at things. Maybe think if there is another adult in your life, like teacher or relative that you could talk to. Or if it would be useful, you can always come on to the Jigsaw Live chat and talk through things with a member of the online team. We are here Monday, Wednesday and Friday between 1-5pm, Tuesday, and Thursday 8pm.

Look after yourself Doglover88 and remember you are not alone.

Kevin

Jigsaw clinician