Courtney's story
My name is Courtney. I am a student and work part-time. My hobbies are reading, singing and playing the Mandolin. I also enjoy learning languages. I love playing video games, spending time with my partner and walking my dog.
I referred myself to Penumbra’s Dundee self-harm service as I had self-harmed on and off for a few years and wanted to learn better coping strategies and feel confident enough to trust myself to use them instead of reverting back to old habits.
My support was delivered via Zoom. This allowed us to use screen-share to look over resources together and these could be sent to me via email. I was offered face to face support but due to my busy lifestyle, support via Zoom suited me better.
Back in 2020, I had to give up work due to my mental health. I hit rock bottom and started self-harming. I felt stuck and felt that being able to work, study and have hobbies would be unattainable again. I tried another mental health charity and other services who provided counselling and therapy but didn’t find this very helpful.
I started getting support from Penumbra, which I found helpful as it was more informal and it felt easier to speak to the worker as she had her own lived experience.
I started getting support from Penumbra, which I found helpful as it was more informal and it felt easier to speak to the worker as she had her own lived experience.
We went over plans around keeping safe such as setting alarms for medication, keeping G.P. appointments, cleaning and covering wounds if needed, and I was made aware of crisis numbers if I needed them too.
We looked over resources such as negative thoughts towards self, self-care and being kind to myself. Asking my partner for support in relation to keeping razors out of sight also helped.
Distractions I find useful are speaking to my partner, walking my dog, listening to music, playing games and looking over positive words and affirmations which I highlighted during support.
I’ve now started a new job, I’m studying and I’ve started a few new hobbies. I still have thoughts about self-harming and have bad days but I am now able to recognise the signs and will use distractions and be kinder to myself.
Thank you for sharing your story, Courtney.
