ive called the sos hotline 3 times by now and i want to be better. i had some self harm probelms since i was 15 and im turning 19 soon. It has only gotten worse and scarier. i dont know how to cope. ive started drinking often. idk how to cope and u want some help. , I cannot afford to get a new professional help right now as I am doing my internship and i’m very busy
whats affecting u that u r turning to sh and drinking often? Is it internship or that plus something else? Hows your school counsellor? I know internship is tiring for ppl who are experiencing it the first time. R u sleeping enough? can you go for runs after work when ur need to sh n drink comes until ur brain starts craving for a run instead of those 2. Do you have frens to talk about work to destress?
Hi user 1482
Thank you for courageously seeking ways to cope with your feelings and experiences. Self-harm and substance use can be challenging issues, especially during transitional phases in life like internships or other responsibilities. Please know you are not alone. It will be good to get a better understanding on self harm and what is triggering it. Address those difficulties as a priority as you start your road to recovery. Recognizing these triggers can be the first step in managing your urges to self-harm or drink excessively.
May I recommend the following coping strategies:
Journaling: Writing about your feelings can provide an outlet for your emotions and help you process what you’re experiencing.
Creative Expression: Engage in activities like drawing, painting, or playing music. These can serve as healthy outlets for expressing emotions.
Physical Activity: Exercise can be a powerful way to reduce stress and improve mood. Consider activities like walking, running, or yoga.
Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques: Practices such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, or progressive muscle relaxation can help manage anxiety and emotional distress.
Connect with Supportive People: Reach out to friends or family members who you trust. Sharing your experiences can alleviate feelings of isolation.
Limit Alcohol Use: While it may seem like a coping mechanism, alcohol can worsen emotional distress and lead to increased self-harm behaviors.
It would be good to prioritise mental health. Please use the SOS hotline at 1767 for immediate support and allocate time to see your school counsellor.
It’s crucial to remember that you’re not alone in this journey. Many young people face similar struggles, and finding effective coping strategies takes time and persistence. If you ever feel overwhelmed, please reach out to someone who can help you navigate these feelings safely. You can get better so keep making daily improvements to see results. 
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Hello @user1138 
! Thank you for sharing how you’re feeling 
.
You seem to be carrying a lot of weight for a long time, and it takes a lot of courage to seek out and start working towards recovery. Even when everything seems overwhelming, that demonstrates a great deal of strength. Even requesting assistance three times is a strong move that demonstrates your desire for change. When assistance seems unattainable, it may be challenging to know where to turn, particularly when finances and time are limited.
Finding little activities that make you feel better, such as taking a little stroll, writing, or even just taking deep breaths, might sometimes ease the strong emotions that are occurring during the period between calls. On the difficult days, they might provide some assistance if there are any online support groups or free resources available, even if they are only quick tasks or tools. There are individuals that want to assist, even if they are not experts, so you don’t have to do this alone. With the assistance you’re gaining, things may gradually improve 