We are a non-profit organization that offers free and confidential support groups for those who have been using self-injury to cope. We also offer a support group to family and friends. We have had groups in Crown Point and Merrillville and are currently in Highland, Indiana. We hope to keep bringing the support groups to many cities all over Northwest Indiana.

Self-injury is when someone is intentionally damaging their skin as a way to manage overwhelming feelings and thoughts. The most common types of self-injury are cutting, burning, and hitting. 

Self-injury is more common than many of us would expect. Cornell University calculated that 1 in 5 high school and college age students have used self-injury sometime in the past. Those who self-harm usually do so in secret. The average age when someone starts to self-injure is 13 years old. However, it can start at any age, for any gender, and last decades if not treated. 

Those who use self-injury to cope typically find that the physical pain helps them cope with emotional pain and they are able to relax immediately after a self-inflicted injury. However, self-injury does not fix the underlying cause of emotional pain and the need to self-harm will most likely return. Self-injury is a dangerous way to cope because the injuries over time may need to be more frequent or severe to get the desired effects. This type of coping has the potential to be fatal where accidental death can occur. 

Getting help as soon as possible is important.

Asking for help is the first step. 

YOUTH GROUP

The youth group uses S.A.F.E. Alternatives® (Self-Abuse Finally Ends) curriculum and goals. Group participants work together to help each other increase awareness of destructive behaviors and their consequences. They discuss how to constructively express feelings and needs. Participants help each other identify and manage a variety of emotions with a focus on coping in safe and healthy ways. This group is friendly, confidential, and fun. The group is not intended to replace on-going one-on-one professional treatment, only to supplement treatment while offering social support to participants. Professional referrals are freely given to help the participants find the right level of care for their situation.   

  Contact: Kay Hennelly

  (219) 298-9297

family & Friends group

The family support group is for family and friends of someone that has used self-injury. The group is facilitated by people who understand first-hand the pain and confusion around having someone they love and care for intentionally hurting themselves. This support group helps family and friends know how to best react and help their loved one. The group offers education and professional referrals for further help and treatment. The family group is not for those who are using self-injury but only for their most supportive family and friends. This is the first support group of its kind, as far as we know. We are proud to offer this help to families. The group is confidential. This family support group is not intended to replace on-going professional family therapy.     

Contact: Ruth Ogden Halstead

(219) 201-8994

adult group

The adult group uses S.A.F.E. Alternatives® (Self-Abuse Finally Ends) curriculum and goals. Group participants work together to help each other increase awareness of destructive behaviors and their consequences. They discuss how to constructively express feelings and needs. Participants help each other identify and manage a variety of emotions with a focus on coping in safe and healthy ways. This group is friendly, confidential, and can be fun. The group is not intended to replace on-going one-on-one professional treatment, only to supplement treatment while offering social support to participants. Professional referrals are freely given to help the participants find the right level of care for their situation.

  Contact: Chris Singel

  (219) 718-5025