Back To The Topic of Self-Harm

I noticed a post in the 'comments' area of the 'Self-Harm' post a while back and have been surprised that it didn't gain some more comments. I think that it's a really good bit of information, so I've decided to bring it up front and copy it as an entry on its own so that people can see it.

"Vanessa Vega said...

Self-injury remains one of the most misunderstood disorders in the world. Because it is a disorder rooted in shame, few sufferers will come foreward and share their experiences. I am hoping to change that.
I have struggled with self-injury for more than 30 years. I have never met anyone else who self-injures or thinks the way I do. And yet I cannot imagine that I am alone. After many months of intensive therapy, I have come to understand some of the underlying factors behind my behavior. As a result, I have just celebrated my first year of being injury free! It has been a long, hard journey, but a deeply insightful one. It is my hope that by speaking out and claiming my behavior, others will have the confidence they need to seek out help. I have a blog and would love love visitors and comments! http://comes_the_light.livejournal.com "

I hope that readers will visit Vanessa's link. Vanessa's material at her Live Journal location is very down to earth, and personally revealing, and I think she is right in saying "Speak out" and claim your behaviors because it does, indeed, help other people gain the confidence they need to ask for help.

People need to know that they aren't experiencing symptoms of mental illness 'all alone.' Millions of people worldwide experience symptoms of mental illness and they need to speak out and gain help just like someone who has fallen while running might need to see a doctor and have a sprained ankle or broken ankle tended to properly. A person who falls while running isn't a freak. Maybe they aren't even clumsy - a fall can just happen. Mental Illness can just happen, too.

I haven't read ALL of Vanessa's posts on her Live Journal blog yet, so I'm going there now to finish reading