Thursday, November 06, 2008

Self harm

Self harm is a very current topic of concern in this household, so I was interested to find a video on Caroline's blog. It is a trailer for an educational DVD made by Harmless, a support organisation I had not heard of, but will certainly be making a note of.

Self harm is much more common than people realise and is undertaken by both sexes. Some self harmers have serious mental health issues or learning disabilities, but many more don't, they are just ordinary people struggling with life. Some kids even get drawn into self harm through peer pressure.

Self harm needs to be brought out into the open, to stop being a taboo. Hopefully Harmless will help, through this DVD aimed primarily at health and social care professionals.

Three notable things:

1. Michael Crichton of Jurassic Park and ER fame has died. What can one say about a man who brought George Clooney to my attention (as Dr Doug Ross in ER)?

2. I went shoppping yesterday and came back with secondhand books for my writing course but not the item I needed.

3. We still have ongoing problems with our parents on both sides of the family, which led to a call from a social worker yesterday. It is so hard not being close enough to do anything practical to help.

6 comments:

Caroline said...

Thanks so much for raising awareness.

Self harm is often hidden and the chances are that each of us will know someone who does or has self harmed. The taboo needs to be removed.

x

HelenMWalters said...

Sounds like you've got lots on your mind at the moment. Sending supportive hugs.

Cathy said...

Helen, thanks honey. It has been a rather complicated year.

Caroline, I've just realised I forgot to give your star turn a mention. Sorry ;)

Unknown said...

Thinking of you with parents situation - distance is hard, I know.

Casdok said...

I havent hear of this organisation either but really pleased to see they are trying to raise awrness.

Anonymous said...

I can relate to not getting the books you set out to get. That's how I end up with five unplanned books for every one I read.