SIAD

Self Injury Awareness Day

Letter to the Mayor

Despite the fact that self-injury is far from being rare, myths and misunderstanding surround this psychological ailment - mistaken ideas that often result in self-harmers being treated badly by police, doctors, therapists, and emergency room personnel.

As this problem receives more and more media attention, a group of us realised that something needs to be done to dispel the myths and help professionals deal more effectively with self-harming patents. To address the need for education and information about self-injury, we organised a grassroots effort to declare March 1, Self-injury Awareness Day. On that date, people across the world are going to distribute brochures and information sheets, targeting hospital emergency rooms and psychiatric wards, school guidance counsellors, university resident assistants and counselling services, therapists, and crisis lines. Some of our committee members have made plans to give talks on that date, and we are preparing a press kit we will send to major media outlets in cities where we have participants. Dozens of people from all over the world have signed up to participate in this educational effort.

I have enclosed a copy of our fact sheet. When you have read it, you will understand why I am requesting that you issue a proclamation and declare March 1, as Self-Injury Awareness Day in our city. If you or your staff have further questions, please call
Thank you.

Sincerely,

SIAD Committee

Please visit a well resourced American site dedicated to Self Injury at: http://crystal.palace.net/~llama/psych/injury.html

Please visit a UK site at:
www.selfinjury.org.uk

and
www.lifesigns.ukf.net (Self Injury Guidance & Network Support) UK Organisation

Or email:
Wedge@selfinjury.org.uk