Tracy's story
Hi, I’m Tracy.
I have been in long-term domestic, physically and sexually abusive relationships and started self-harming during my last relationship. I am now scarred for life. I ended up suicidal. But, getting help from Self-Harm Network Scotland really turned things around for me. Thankfully, I was being supported by Kayleigh, one of Self-Harm Network Scotland’s Peer Practitioners, at the time. She sat, listened to me and gave me different points of view, which I hadn’t considered before.
Kayleigh was understanding, really helpful and non-judgemental. She understood me and what I was going through. She listened and gave me different coping strategies to get out of my own head. For example, I got myself a fidget ring which has really helped.
"Getting help from Self-Harm Network Scotland really turned things around for me."
The support I received has really helped me. My wounds are now healed up. My Peer Practitioner gave me useful advice. I’ve recently taken up yoga and have started up a Residents organisation. Keeping myself busy is helping to keep me focused.
Getting support from a Peer Practitioner, somebody who has lived experience of self-harm, has meant a lot. Kayleigh understood that I wasn’t self-harming for attention. She didn’t judge me and the listening and talking helped me a lot. She was absolutely fantastic. I can’t praise her enough.
Thank you for sharing your story, Tracy.
