‘You are not alone, help is out there’ says Abby
Growing up in the care system scarred young Lanarkshire woman Abby Hillan in more ways than one.
“It had a huge impact on my mental health, which resulted in me self-harming as a way to try and cope with all my emotions,”explained Abby, 20.
“I began self-harming at the age of 12 when I was in high school. It helped with things I can’t say to people.”
Abby concealed her self-harming for a year, until her guidance teacher noticed evidence on her clothing.
“Self-harming has had a negative effect on my life, as it has made me have such a negative view of myself.
“Every time I selfharmed, I constantly had a feeling of guilt and shame – but at the same point I used to get satisfaction, as it was always a way of release from everything in life, but also everything going on in my head.
“As a FAMS volunteer, I can relate to others as I know how they may be feeling and can give them reassurance and guidance for ways to prevent self-harming. I can understand their pain and can support them, as well as being someone they can confide in.
“Nowadays, there are so many people who judge those with self-harm scars and, honestly, it is souldestroying. I just wish there was a way that we could help those who are self-harming to see they are not alone and help is out there.”
To those people who self-harm, regardless of their circumstances, Abby says:“stay strong and, no matter how hard life gets, self-harm should be the very last option.
“Try and seek help from those around you, as there are loads of people who love and care about you.”