Book recommendation for interested :Self Harm: Why Teens Do It And What Parents Can Do To Help by Michelle Mitchell
Self-Harm, why do people do it? Deliberate infliction of pain upon oneself. As the world we live in grows more complex by the day, it could leave teens and young adults with overwhelming emotions like numbness. With no recollection of how to process all these feelings, self harm emerges as a way to express feelings into pain. For those who are interested for more insight on self harm, or its link to suicide, I recommend the book “Self Harm: Why Teens Do It and What Parents Can Do to Help” by Michelle Mitchell
The Butterfly project was created as an alternative coping mechanism to healing from self harm, where self-harmers draw butterflies on their arm when the need to harm arises. Letting the symbolic creature fade away naturally without cutting or harming themselves in the process.
Rules:
- When you feel like cutting, take a pen or marker and draw a butterfly on your arm.
- Another person may draw them on you, these butterflies are extra special.
- Name the butterfly after a loved one-someone who really wants you to get better.
- You must let the butterfly fade naturally. NO scrubbing it off.
- If you cut before the butterfly is gone, you’ve killed it. If you don’t cut, it lives.
- If you have more than one butterfly, cutting kills all of them.
- Even if you don’t cut, feel free to draw a butterfly to show support. What is the meaning of the butterfly? The butterfly is a symbol of transformation, hope, faith and rebirth. The butterflies on each arm represent a new step in life. A small but life changing step, growing apart from the scary action of self harm. These butterflies also represent loved ones, reminding those suffering that their actions don’t only affect themselves.
When I came across this project, I felt compelled to bring this influential message to the Newton Community. Like what I believe Dr.Tee said, to start something, begin making a difference with the environment around you first. By supporting today’s teens, we are nurturing the mentally healthy adults of tomorrow.
Join this movement by following the instagram account, @newton_butterflyproject. By sharing stories using #newtonbutterflyproject or drawing butterflies on your arm, you are reassuring those who are suffering in silence and spreading this powerful message to numerous people. If you have ever experienced self harm, consider sharing your story to inspire courage and change in others. The smallest acts can leave a huge impact, like the butterfly effect.
So let’s be the change, the difference, starting right here at Newton. Let’s unite and show support, creating a world where butterflies of hope and healing can truly take flight.