Self-Injury Support Group

Whether you or someone you know or love struggles with self-injury, this is the community to discuss your experience, find support, meet others going through the same, and get advice on how to stop. Working together, we can help find alternative coping skills to reduce the urge to self-harm.

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Mental Health
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Awareness Bracelets

Catlovers141
Catlovers141
Not sure where this would go, but I got an idea a little while ago to make awareness bracelets for various mental health conditions, starting with SI. I wanted to do something that would be a good hobby for me, with all proceeds going to a mental health organization (have not decided which yet). I am still in the planning stages, but I was wondering what people think of this idea. Do you have any suggestions about how I could go about doing this, or if people would even be interested? I am trying to find a way to make them where they would be appealing but also not very expensive so people will want to buy them. I was thinking seed beads, but I am not sure yet. Any input is much appreciated!
deleted_user
deleted_user
I think it's a great idea and I would buy it. You might want to try and run the idea by TWLOHA (To Write Love On Her Arms). They have a lot to do with SI and getting the word out about SI. You might want to come up with a prototype and run it by your local community mental health community and see if it they all like it. Just some ideas of what I would do if I was doing it. NAMI (National Alliance of Mental Illness) is also a good group to run the prototype by. Good luck, have a good night.

Rachael
Catlovers141
Catlovers141
Thanks for your reply! That's an interesting idea that I hadn't really thought of before. One of the things I am wondering about is the exact design. I brought up this idea on another mental health site that I am on, and they seemed to be concerned about people not wanting everyone to know they struggle with a mental health condition. So one of the things I was thinking of doing is just making bracelets with beads of the colors of different mental health conditions (like SI is orange, for example). And they wouldn't say anything on them.

If I end up doing it, I'll keep you posted! Thank you for your support. :)
deleted_user
deleted_user
If they are cute (lol) and inexpensive, I would buy them, with or without any words.
Keep us updated!
Catlovers141
Catlovers141
I was looking around online and am now thinking that if I do one it will be some sort of small orange beads strung onto wire with one bead that says "HOPE" in the middle.
Catlovers141
Catlovers141
Also, I am trying to make them around $5.00 or less, so I am trying to decide where quality is needed and where it is okay to use something cheaper. It is harder than I thought!
deleted_user
deleted_user
You can get great beads from older necklaces at thrift stores (just take them off cheap string) and also they will sometimes have great beads too. So look at thrift stores for the beads.

Than go to a craft store for other stuff. That would save money! Or, buy in bulk online as well.
deleted_user
deleted_user
i think it is a lovely idea. xx
Justonekitty
Justonekitty
I used to bead a little. You csn find coupons online for Joann's Fabrics , Hobby Lobby and Micheal's. Sometimes they alternate on bead sales. At one store they have beads on sale and at another the findings or hardware. And dont forget walmart.
deleted_user
deleted_user
When I first started coming to terms with my addiction, I used Italian charms, adding one for each month I could be injury-free. I'd definitely follow this, since I am now about five months SI-free.