by Morticia Alexander

Created on: July 17, 2009   Last Updated: July 21, 2009

If you are a self-harmer and you live in Chicago, you are very fortunate, because you have some of the best helpful resources that can be offered.
First, you have SAFE Alternatives right in your very own hometown! SAFE (Self-Abuse Finally Ends) is an inpatient program that strives to help patients who are dealing with self-harm. By their definition, self-harm is anything ranging from cutting, burning, to eating disorders. This program has led thousands of people to end self harm, and has been in operation for more than twenty years.

The patient's stay includes working with individual, group, and family therapies in order to support clients, and empower them to take control of the self-injurious behaviors. Upon entering, each patient signs a contract agreeing not to engage in self-harming behavior while he or she is there in treatment. Anybody who does engage in any self-destructive behaviors will either receive a written warning, will be suspended, or will be expelled from the program. The punishment is decided and agreed upon by the treatment team. Their approach seems extremely effective, and extremely helpful to anyone struggling with self-injury. Another positive about this treatment plan is that funding is not often an issue. Most insurance plans, including Medicare, will pay for one's treatment here. If that seems like an option for you, I would highly recommend it. You can visit www.selfinjury.com for more information.

In a moment of impulse, a quicker form of help is often needed. A great resource to turn to for crisis prevention is the national suicide and crisis prevention lifeline. (1-800-SUICIDE) Trained staff are available all hours to take your calls, talk with you, and get you professional and medical help if your situation warrants it. If you are in a crisis and are try to avoid self-injuring, giving them a call really can help you to avoid a crisis.

Another great hot-line you may be interested in calling is the Boys Town hot-line (1-800-448-3000). This hot-line offers support for anyone at any time. When you call, you will get a trained counselor on the other end who will be empathetic, and willing to help you through your time of crisis.

Finally, if the situation warrants it, sometimes the best crisis prevention is to simply present to your local emergency room, or to call 911. As terrifying as that sounds, if it keeps you safe in a moment of crisis, it is certainly worth it.
The last three listed are simply help for moments of crisis and getting through them. For long-term help for self-injury, I would strongly recommend that you utilize the resources that you have, and attend the SAFE program. The road to recovery is never an easy one, but in the end, it is most definitely worth it to be safe and to stop self-harm in its tracks.

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