Help *si*

[DXDamage]

My name is Duane and I have been into self mutulation since age 10.
I am 30 now and still haven't recieved any help. It goes from razor cuts to tattoo's. i started cutting because I always felt like a failure and my parents didn't help at all. I have a very low self confidence and I feel that suicide is my only way out at this time, but I cant do it .
I was wondering if there are any support groups out there. Or any info that would be handy.

[{{ silent scream }}]

good news....... this is a support group!

u could try going to ur GP or something and asking for a referal to a therapist if thats waht u want.
or just keep looking about on the net, theres loads out there

kt

[Laura]

Hiya

Yes this board is supportive, and it can also be a good place to start thinking about other kinds of help, ask questions, share experiences etc.

If you are looking for an irl support group, you could try Deb's (=sin nomine, the board owner's) site at http://www.selfharm.net or you could post asking if anyone knows of one near you.

Hope you stick around and find BUS useful.
Laura

[Tamrick]

Hi, welcome to BUS

I don't know of any direct support groups though BUS acts as support. Have you ever thought of going to therapy or used any self-harm work books (self-help) - The Angry Heart and also The Scarred Soul are two good books that deal with self harm and have exercises to help you. Otherwise stick around here and ask questions and read posts. It can definitely help.

Once again, welcome.
Tamrick

[DXDamage]

Hi, welcome to BUS

I don't know of any direct support groups though BUS acts as support. Have you ever thought of going to therapy or used any self-harm work books (self-help) - The Angry Heart and also The Scarred Soul are two good books that deal with self harm and have exercises to help you. Otherwise stick around here and ask questions and read posts. It can definitely help.

Once again, welcome.
Tamrick

I am from Westmoreland county Pa. and the mental health system out here isn't that great. I try and talk to my doctor, but he seems hellbent on giving me more meds. I figure Id try a support group where people feel the same way I do and I can relate to them. I dont wanna be like this, but I really never knew how to deal before. I used to be really into drugs and alcohol to help numb out the depression, but I only made myself sicker.
Ive been clean for 6 months now.

[nirvana]

hey.. congrats on being 6 months clean. that's very very good.

welcome to bus, by the way. we're all here to talk with if you need us.

i just looked up some info about support groups/websites, etc. to try and help you:
http://www.suicide-helplines.org/usa.htm: this website has quite a few links, phone numbers, and addresses. unfortunately, none of the addresses i found were in PA, but you might find something that helps.
http://ries.contineotech.com/ries/centerSearch.do: this website lets you type in your area code, city, state, zip code, to find a crisis center near you.
http://www.suicidology.org/associations ... ups.cfm#PA: this site had all the following listings for support groups:
PENNSYLVANIA
Altoona
Altoona Hospital Center for Mental Health Services
620 Howard Ave.
Altoona, PA 16601-4899
Group Name: Support for Those Who Lost a Loved One
Contact Person: Jim Schoenfelder
(814) 946-2141
Leadership Type: PROF
Meetings/Month: 1 - 3rd Tuesday at 7pm
Charge: NO
Newsletter: NO

Folcroft
Survivors of Suicide, Inc.
2064 Heather Road
Folcroft, PA 19032
Group Name: SOS
Contact Person: Mary Ellen Carpenter
(215) 545-2242
phillysos.tripod.com
Leadership Type: PEER
Meetings/Month: 1
Charge: NO
Newsletter: YES

Langhorne
Frankford Hospital
Bucks County Campus
200 Oxford Valley Road
Langhorne, PA 19047
Group Name: SOS
Contact Person: Patricia Lufkin
(215) 945-0661
Leadership Type: PEER
Meetings/Month: 1 - 4th Tuesday
Charge: NO
Newsletter: NO

Lancaster
St. Peters Lutheran Church
Lititz Pike and Delp Road
Lancaster, PA 17601
Group Name: SOS
Contact Person: Kevin Eberle or Jessica Eckman
(717) 394-3541
Kevin Eberle
jessica_eckman@yahoo.com
Jessica Eckman
Leadership Type: PEER
Meetings/Month: 2 - 1st and 3rd Thursday from 7:30-9pm
Charge: NO
Newsletter: NO

Meridian
Survivor of Suicide Support Group
Meridian Presbyterian Church
4150 Highland Avenue
Meridian, PA 16001
Group Name: SOS
Contact Person: Cindy Byers
(724) 756-2771
Leadership Type: PEER
Meetings/Month: 1 - 1st Thursday at 7pm
Charge: NO
Newsletter: NO
Monaca
Mental Health Association of Beaver County
3582 Brodhead Rd.
Suite 107
Monaca, PA 15061
Group Name: Suicides Other Victims
Contact Person:
(724) 775-4165
Leadership Type: P/P
Meetings/Month: 1 - last Monday at 7:30 pm
Charge: NO
Newsletter: YES
Morrisville
Survivors of Suicide Support Group
37 Walnut Lane
Morrisville, PA 19067
Group Name: SOS
Contact Person: Bette Coatsworth
(215) 736-1643
(215) 295-1623
Leadership Type: PEER
Meetings/Month: 1
Charge: NO
Newsletter: NO

Pittsburgh
Western Psychiatric Institute & Clinic
3811 O'Hara Street
Pittsburgh, PA 15213
Group Name: SOS
Contact Person: Susan Wesner
(412) 624-5170
Leadership Type: PROF
Meetings/Month: 8 week group
Charge: NO
Newsletter: NO

Reading
Mental Health Association of Reading and Berks County
122 W. Lancaster Ave
#207
Reading, PA 19607-1874
Group Name: Survivors of Suicide
Contact Person: Marta Peck
(610) 775-3000
(610) 929-8984
Dolores / John
Leadership Type: PEER
Meetings/Month: 1 - 2nd Wednesday from 7:30-9 pm
Charge: NO
Newsletter: NO
Wilkes Barre
Catholic Social Services
33 E. Northampton St
Wilkes Barre, PA 18701
Group Name: SOS
Contact Person: Denise Rowinski
(570) 822-7118 ext. 307
Leadership Type: PROF
Meetings/Month: 2 - 1st & 3rd Mondays from 7-8:15pm
Charge: NO
Newsletter: NO

if you're ever feeling really desparate, you can call 1-800-SUICIDE (784-2433).

hope you find something that works. and feel free to pm me and chat any time. good luck, i'm thinking about you.

love + hugs,
tara.

[DXDamage]

Thanks for the info. I live near Pittsburgh , about 45 minutes. Ill look into that.