slicedstyrofoam

[slicedstyrofoam]

I'm working on a big project for Styrofoamers right now: here are the details.

I'm currently working on making a forum, for all things related to sh. Uncensored discussions on it and harm reduction advice would be the main purpose!

The forum would include:

Sections for forum posts on harm reduction, sh discussion, and recovery discussion (although it wouldn’t be recovery focused) Other sections may or may not be added but these three will definitely be included.

A (lengthy…) TOS designed with the safety and mental health of users in mind.

A community of like minded people to share your experiences with without fear of being judged or having your acc deleted for discussion of sh!

It won’t be viewable without an account, and accounts need admin approval before creation so non-members can’t intrude or see any posts.

I also will need a few mods to help run the site. I am not knowledgeable on harm reduction past the very basics so someone with lots of knowledge on the subject would be very appreciated to help moderate those sections of the forum and make sure that dangerous or misleading advice isn’t being shared. If you would be willing to help out with this aspect once the forum has been created, feel free to leave a reply and state why you would be a good fit!

Again, this will take a while to set up. I will provide more details when more stuff is finalized. My main goal when creating this is to make it a safe place first and foremost. I’m using Jcink to host the site because out of all the free forum hosting sites it has the least obtrusive ads imo… It also allows account creation without providing an email address. It will likely be over a month before the sits is finished, so please be patient! I’m going to work very very hard to make it the best it possibly can be before I make it public!

styrofoamers taglist: @noridayo

[slicedstyrofoam]

are you kidding me.

[slicedstyrofoam]

unpopular opinion(maybe), but you are allowed to express and cope with your trauma in ways that make other people uncomfortable. That means cvtting, age regression, fiction, kinks,  and other "unusual" mechanisms.

Even if you see a coping mechanism as bad, telling someone to just not do it isn't solving the problem. Telling people to just get help isn't helpful either. Assuming that most people can get or afford therapy is just nonsense, assuming they'll get better in one day is even more foolish. How many people that cvt have been told to stop just because it makes others uncomfortable? It takes time to overcome self harm.

Here's an example, day a person  grew up being abused grows up to be into bdsm, this not inherently a bad thing, nor are they traumatizing themselves. They're in a position where they can  CONSENT, where they know they can stop if they don't like something

People to this day still  call age regressing harmful or claim it's sexual without any research. Please don't ever think you're gross for not coping in a more socially acceptable way.

You have all the right to feel uncomfy, but people are allowed to cope in ways you don't like.  Someone's brain isn't going to change based on your personal feelings, actual psychological study isn't going to change over your personal discomfort.

[slicedstyrofoam]

First Aid: Cuts & Scratches (copy and pasted of my website for a moot that cant access it)

TW: brief mention of alcohol and drugs, mention of blood

Stop the bleeding

If the injury is spurting blood, apply pressure and call for an ambulance immediately. Follow the instructions of the emergency line operator. Apply pressure to the injury or injuries with a clean cloth that will not get fluff in the wound (e.g. a bit of shirt). Tissue, toilet roll, or kitchen paper will get fluff in the wound and increase risk of infection. For shallow cuts or scratches apply even pressure for 5 minutes. For deeper cuts apply presser for 7-10 minutes. If you have been drinking or taken any drugs/medications that can affect clotting apply pressure for 7-10 minutes. If bleeding does not stop after 10 minutes of applying even pressure you need medical attention immediately, go to A&E.

Assessing the damage

Call for an ambulance immediately if...

The injury is spurting bright red blood; you have hit an artery

You go into shock

You lose sensation or movement in any area; this is a sign of nerve or tendon damage

You have a medical condition that means you need immediate emergency medical attention for your injury

You are unsure if you need immediate emergency medical attention

If you do not think you can take care of your injuries alone and cannot get yourself to A&E

Go to A&E immediately if...

The bleeding does not stop after 10 minutes of applying even pressure

The injury is to a joint, palm, your face, or genitals

The injury is internal

You can see muscle or bone. Muscle looks like meat

The tool you used to cut/scratch yourself was rusty

You have a medical condition that means you need emergency medical attention for your injury

You do not think you can take care of your injuries alone

Cuts that have are wide or gaping, are deeper than 0.5 inches/1.25 cm, or cuts where you can see fat (yellow lumps) or fascia (a thin white layer under the fat) should be stitched if possible. If you cannot get stitches use steri-strips, butterfly bandages, or zip-stitches to close the cut. Even if you do not fit any of the above criteria you can still go to A&E for self-harm, thoughts of self-harm or suicide, or other mental health emergencies. Self-harm and thoughts of hurting yourself or others is always considered a medical emergency. If you are unsure how serious an injury is, call your local A&E's nurse line (if in the UK call 111 or use 111 online).

Cleaning And Bandaging The Injuries

Make sure your hands are clean. Rinse the wound(s) with saline or warm water to remove any debris. Dry the area well with a clean cloth that will not get fluff in the wound. Do not use hydrogen peroxide, isopropyl/rubbing alcohol, iodine, or hand sanitiser to clean a wound, it will kill the healthy cells. You do not need to use an antibiotic ointment (i.e. Neosporin) for a clean, not infected cut. Overuse of antibiotic ointment can cause bacterial resistance. If a wound needs stitches (see above), seek immediate medical attention at A&E. If you cannot seek medical attention, use steri-strip, butterfly bandages, or zip-stitches to close the wound. These can also be used for more minor wounds where the edges of cut do not meet. Compound Benzoin Tincture can be used to help wound closures stick to the skin; apply a thin layer to the edges (not inside) of the cut and allow to dry before applying wound closure strips. Apply gauze or another wound covering on stop of any steri-strips, butterfly badages or zip stitches. If the cut does not need stitches, use a plaster (band-aid), non-stick gauze, or other bandage to cover the wound. Keeping a wound dressed is important for healing and protecting it from getting dirt and infected. You do not need to 'air out' a cut, this increases risk of infection and slows healing.

Wound Care

Change wound dressings daily, or if they become dirty or wet. Steri-strips, butterfly bandages, and zip stitches can be left on till they fall off or until wound has healed. Check for signs of infection when you change dressings (more info on infections below). Never reuse dressings and avoid picking at the wound. If the wound becomes dirty, clean it with warm water and non-fragranced soap before redressing the wound.

Infections

Seek emergency medical attention or call an ambulance immediately if you show symptoms of a serious infection, such as...

Confusion or disorientation

Feeling faint, dizzy, or fainting

Irregular heartbeat and/or breathing

Cold, clammy, pale skin

Fever (body temperature of 38c (100.4 f) or higher)

A red line coming from the wound

Severe muscle pain

Painful muscle spasms

This is not an exhaustive list of symptoms, more info here.

A serious infection can be deadly and cause permanent disability, DO NOT attempt to care for at home. If you are unsure how serious an injury is, call your local A&E's nurse line (if in the UK call 111 or use 111 online)

Mild infections can often be treated at home. Symptoms of mild infection include...

Spreading redness, heat, or swelling near the wound

Increased or new pain

Increased fluid leaking from wound

Smell

Slow healing

Some redness, pain, and fluid leakage can be normal. If you have a medical condition or take a medication (i.e. immunosuppressants) that puts you at higher risk of complication or if you are unsure if you are able to treat your wound, seek medical advice. If you are unsure how serious an injury is, call your local A&E's nurse line (if in the UK call 111 or use 111 online).

For information on how to treat a (mild) infection, click here [link to page about infections, check reblogs for copy and pasted version]

This generalised information is a limited summary of diagnosis, treatment, and/or medication information. It is not meant to be comprehensive and should be used as a tool to help the user understand and/or assess potential diagnostic and treatment options. It does NOT include all information about conditions, treatments, medications, side effects, or risks that may apply to a specific patient. It is not intended to be medical advice or a substitute for the medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment of a health care provider based on the health care provider's examination and assessment of a patient’s specific and unique circumstances. Patients must speak with a health care provider for complete information about their health, medical questions, and treatment options, including any risks or benefits regarding use of any treatment. This information does not endorse any treatments or medications as safe, effective, or approved for treating a specific patient.

[slicedstyrofoam]

my apologies for not posting as much! I don’t really have anything more to say regarding my views on sh honestly… if you have any questions or suggestions for posts lmk!

[slicedstyrofoam]

The wellbeing guy actually knew about self-harm which was such a nice surprise. He said it wasn't the problem, it's a coping mechanism or sign that something isn't right, and that's so true. He also said as long as I was being safe and using clean tools and it wasn't out of control that he wasn't worried about it and wasn't going to tell me to stop, which was really nice. I want to stop, but the fact he didn't say "it's bad" or tell me not to do it was really good. He actually understands it. It's so nice to know that the wellbeing people at university actually know their stuff about it and are actually able to offer constructive, useful advice and help

[slicedstyrofoam]

I hate when people take away bandaids when they find out about your self harm, like how does that help???? The whole point of trying to get someone to stop self harming is that it isn’t safe, and since taking bandaids away isn’t stopping them that just makes everything even more unsafe. Some ppl are dumb

[slicedstyrofoam]

I DONT MIND!!! Feel free it’s always fun when i see other people with it!! :))

Intro to Styrofoamers

TW/ Discussion of SH. These are purely my personal opinions on sh, and you are free to disagree.

Contents:

Very basics

Why do I think this?/My arguments

Common arguments against

What should be done.

okay!!! go!!

Very basics

Styrofoamers is the idea that although self injury can be risky and other coping strategies should be encouraged, it shouldn’t be seen as completely invalid and people who practice it safely should not be forced or shamed to stop doing it. I just called it Styrofoamers cuz I think its a cute name… and if you agree you can call yourself a styrofoamer and we’re all pals and stuff idk.

Why do I think this?/My arguments

My main reasons can be summarized as this:

I have had experience with self injury and felt that it helped me cope effectively. Coping strategies differ for everyone, and just because it would never work for you doesn’t mean it can’t help others.

Having a strict “no tolerance” policy about self injury is damaging to those who do it because it is incredibly difficult to reach out for help for mental or physical reasons, especially when someone finding out results in consequences. I have seen firsthand from many people how this causes serious injuries to have to stay unreported and improperly treated due to fear of people finding out and being punished and forced to stop.

Whether you agree with me or not, everyone has a right to bodily autonomy and taking that away just because you can’t understand why someone would do something is a violation of their rights. I think that a change in culture from “self injury must be completely stopped at all costs” to one of “you can self injure if you’d like, but be safe about if or you will be forced to stop” would be incredibly helpful to everyone involved. I hope that even if you disagree with me you can understand why I think this.

Counter arguments/Rebuttals

I cannot cover every single counter argument, but here’s some common ones. If you have one that was not covered that you think makes a valid point let me know and I can add it to the list.

“It’s disturbing.”

Thats your own opinion. Your opinion should not be a basis for deciding what people can or cannot do with their bodies.

“It’s dangerous.”

Yes, it is riskier than other actions. However even with a very simple knowledge of first aid self injury becomes something that poses little to no danger to those involved. If an accident were to occur, a shift in culture where self injury is accepted would make those doing it not be scared to seek medical treatment. This could and would save lives.

“I can’t understand why someone would do that. It must be mental illness, it should be stopped.”

If you didn’t enjoy knitting, would you say that all knitters should have their tools forcefully taken away and be punished if they were caught doing it? No, I’m sure you wouldn’t. The issue here is a combination of it not being for you and the natural human instinct of injury = danger = bad. If you can remove yourself from the ladder and think about it from a purely logical standpoint, it should be clear it’s just as simple as it’s an activity thats not for you. Your personal opinions are valid but should never be used as a justification to remove someone’s bodily autonomy. I would be lying if I said that self injury cant stem from mental illness, but self injury is just a symptom and not the problem. Plucking a flowers petals will not remove the root.

What should be done

People who self injure shouldn’t be shamed. They shouldn’t be told they are wrong for wanting to do something. My whole life, I was told it was wrong. I did it anyway. Want to know what I learned? When you really ask someone why they want to stop you from injuring yourself they can’t think of a logical reason. It’s all pure instinct, “injury = danger = bad”. What people need to do is look past what they first think and not judge a book by its cover.

EDIT: I have decided to put everything relating to this sort of stuff to a sideblog (@slicedstyrofoam) if you’re interested you can follow that.

[slicedstyrofoam]

WHATT SOMEONE ELSE HAS STYROFOAMER IN THEIR BIO WOW WOW THAT SO COOL

YESSS

Styrofoamers unite!

...for what I don't know, but... still!

[slicedstyrofoam]

what the hell man your blog was fr super useful :(

im going to kill myself this better be a bug i swear to god.

[slicedstyrofoam]

i think i might make a blog not connected to my main one for this so im not at risk of getting banned on my main… if i do that i’ll tell yall on my main!

[slicedstyrofoam]

Not to be like decriminalize self harm but like…decriminalize self harm stop locking people up over it.

[slicedstyrofoam]

Welcome to my blog

Disclaimer: I do not encourage self-harm or eating disorders. I am not a medical professional, it is always best to get your injuries treated by a doctor.

This blog is focused on providing resources regarding self-harm harm reduction. Suggestions are also welcome in asks.

Send me an ask if you have any questions. I try to answer asks at least once a week, if you need urgent medical care or are unsure if you do see a doctor.

More info under cut.

Posts:

Reducing The Risk: A Guide To Harm Reduction For Self-Harm (link)

Self-Harm First Aid: Cuts & Scratches (link)

How To Add a Read-More or "Cut" To a Post (link)

Arteries, Veins, & Capillaries: A First Aid Guide (link)

“Does X count as self-harm?” “Is X bad enough?” (link)

Infections; Prevention, Identification, & Treatment, a Harm Reduction Guide For Self-harmers (link)

Self-Harm Harm Reduction Resources Master Post (link)

Self-Harm Tool Safety (link)

Self-Harm First Aid: Burns & Scalds

Tags:

#harm reduction (link)

#asks (link)

#reblogs (link)

#anon (link) - anonymous asks

#off topic (link) - posts not related to harm reduction for self-harm

Trigger warnings are tagged as #tw __ (i.e. #tw arachnophobia), I do not tag for self harm as that is what this blog revolves around.

posts with undescribed images are tagged #undescribed. Posts with flashing lights are tagged #flashing and posts which may cause eye strain are tagged #eye strain.

Please tell me if there are any ways i can make my blog more accessible! I try my best but I am only one person and I only have so many spoons.

Other Resources:

Cutting The Risk (link), a free online book with information on anatomy, the risk of different locations, first aid (cuts/burn/chemical burns and emotional first aid), & other helpful information.

Harm Minimisation (link), a brief guide to harm reduction for self-harm

Calm Harm (link), an app that helps you “ride the wave” of self-harm urges. Free in the UK and US, charges may apply else where.

More Accurate Diagram of Safer Spots For Self Injury (link), a diagram showing safer and less safe locations for self-harm, made by an EMT with a phlebotomist, a paramedic, and nurse. No image description.

Delaying Self-Harm (link), Distractions and Displacement (link), and Exploring Alternatives (link)

Eating Disorder Harm Reduction Infographic (image described) (link) and Harm Reduction Is for Eating Disorders, Too (link)

[slicedstyrofoam]

Welcome to my blog

Disclaimer: I do not encourage self-harm or eating disorders. I am not a medical professional, it is always best to get your injuries treated by a doctor.

This blog is focused on providing resources regarding self-harm harm reduction. Suggestions are also welcome in asks.

Send me an ask if you have any questions. I try to answer asks at least once a week, if you need urgent medical care or are unsure if you do see a doctor.

More info under cut.

Posts:

Reducing The Risk: A Guide To Harm Reduction For Self-Harm (link)

Self-Harm First Aid: Cuts & Scratches (link)

How To Add a Read-More or "Cut" To a Post (link)

Arteries, Veins, & Capillaries: A First Aid Guide (link)

“Does X count as self-harm?” “Is X bad enough?” (link)

Infections; Prevention, Identification, & Treatment, a Harm Reduction Guide For Self-harmers (link)

Self-Harm Harm Reduction Resources Master Post (link)

Self-Harm Tool Safety (link)

Self-Harm First Aid: Burns & Scalds

Tags:

#harm reduction (link)

#asks (link)

#reblogs (link)

#anon (link) - anonymous asks

#off topic (link) - posts not related to harm reduction for self-harm

Trigger warnings are tagged as #tw __ (i.e. #tw arachnophobia), I do not tag for self harm as that is what this blog revolves around.

posts with undescribed images are tagged #undescribed. Posts with flashing lights are tagged #flashing and posts which may cause eye strain are tagged #eye strain.

Please tell me if there are any ways i can make my blog more accessible! I try my best but I am only one person and I only have so many spoons.

Other Resources:

Cutting The Risk (link), a free online book with information on anatomy, the risk of different locations, first aid (cuts/burn/chemical burns and emotional first aid), & other helpful information.

Harm Minimisation (link), a brief guide to harm reduction for self-harm

Calm Harm (link), an app that helps you “ride the wave” of self-harm urges. Free in the UK and US, charges may apply else where.

More Accurate Diagram of Safer Spots For Self Injury (link), a diagram showing safer and less safe locations for self-harm, made by an EMT with a phlebotomist, a paramedic, and nurse. No image description.

Delaying Self-Harm (link), Distractions and Displacement (link), and Exploring Alternatives (link)

Eating Disorder Harm Reduction Infographic (image described) (link) and Harm Reduction Is for Eating Disorders, Too (link)

[slicedstyrofoam]

ohhh wait this was yours? cool!!!

Welcome to my blog

Disclaimer: I do not encourage self-harm or eating disorders. I am not a medical professional, it is always best to get your injuries treated by a doctor.

This blog is focused on providing resources regarding self-harm harm reduction. Suggestions are also welcome in asks.

Send me an ask if you have any questions. I try to answer asks at least once a week, if you need urgent medical care or are unsure if you do see a doctor.

More info under cut.

Posts:

Reducing The Risk: A Guide To Harm Reduction For Self-Harm (link)

Self-Harm First Aid: Cuts & Scratches (link)

How To Add a Read-More or "Cut" To a Post (link)

Arteries, Veins, & Capillaries: A First Aid Guide (link)

“Does X count as self-harm?” “Is X bad enough?” (link)

Infections; Prevention, Identification, & Treatment, a Harm Reduction Guide For Self-harmers (link)

Self-Harm Harm Reduction Resources Master Post (link)

Self-Harm Tool Safety (link)

Self-Harm First Aid: Burns & Scalds

Tags:

#harm reduction (link)

#asks (link)

#reblogs (link)

#anon (link) - anonymous asks

#off topic (link) - posts not related to harm reduction for self-harm

Trigger warnings are tagged as #tw __ (i.e. #tw arachnophobia), I do not tag for self harm as that is what this blog revolves around.

posts with undescribed images are tagged #undescribed. Posts with flashing lights are tagged #flashing and posts which may cause eye strain are tagged #eye strain.

Please tell me if there are any ways i can make my blog more accessible! I try my best but I am only one person and I only have so many spoons.

Other Resources:

Cutting The Risk (link), a free online book with information on anatomy, the risk of different locations, first aid (cuts/burn/chemical burns and emotional first aid), & other helpful information.

Harm Minimisation (link), a brief guide to harm reduction for self-harm

Calm Harm (link), an app that helps you “ride the wave” of self-harm urges. Free in the UK and US, charges may apply else where.

More Accurate Diagram of Safer Spots For Self Injury (link), a diagram showing safer and less safe locations for self-harm, made by an EMT with a phlebotomist, a paramedic, and nurse. No image description.

Delaying Self-Harm (link), Distractions and Displacement (link), and Exploring Alternatives (link)

Eating Disorder Harm Reduction Infographic (image described) (link) and Harm Reduction Is for Eating Disorders, Too (link)

[slicedstyrofoam]

Welcome to my blog

Disclaimer: I do not encourage self-harm or eating disorders. I am not a medical professional, it is always best to get your injuries treated by a doctor.

This blog is focused on providing resources regarding self-harm harm reduction. Suggestions are also welcome in asks.

Send me an ask if you have any questions. I try to answer asks at least once a week, if you need urgent medical care or are unsure if you do see a doctor.

More info under cut.

Posts:

Reducing The Risk: A Guide To Harm Reduction For Self-Harm (link)

Self-Harm First Aid: Cuts & Scratches (link)

How To Add a Read-More or "Cut" To a Post (link)

Arteries, Veins, & Capillaries: A First Aid Guide (link)

“Does X count as self-harm?” “Is X bad enough?” (link)

Infections; Prevention, Identification, & Treatment, a Harm Reduction Guide For Self-harmers (link)

Self-Harm Harm Reduction Resources Master Post (link)

Self-Harm Tool Safety (link)

Self-Harm First Aid: Burns & Scalds

Tags:

#harm reduction (link)

#asks (link)

#reblogs (link)

#anon (link) - anonymous asks

#off topic (link) - posts not related to harm reduction for self-harm

Trigger warnings are tagged as #tw __ (i.e. #tw arachnophobia), I do not tag for self harm as that is what this blog revolves around.

posts with undescribed images are tagged #undescribed. Posts with flashing lights are tagged #flashing and posts which may cause eye strain are tagged #eye strain.

Please tell me if there are any ways i can make my blog more accessible! I try my best but I am only one person and I only have so many spoons.

Other Resources:

Cutting The Risk (link), a free online book with information on anatomy, the risk of different locations, first aid (cuts/burn/chemical burns and emotional first aid), & other helpful information.

Harm Minimisation (link), a brief guide to harm reduction for self-harm

Calm Harm (link), an app that helps you “ride the wave” of self-harm urges. Free in the UK and US, charges may apply else where.

More Accurate Diagram of Safer Spots For Self Injury (link), a diagram showing safer and less safe locations for self-harm, made by an EMT with a phlebotomist, a paramedic, and nurse. No image description.

Delaying Self-Harm (link), Distractions and Displacement (link), and Exploring Alternatives (link)

Eating Disorder Harm Reduction Infographic (image described) (link) and Harm Reduction Is for Eating Disorders, Too (link)

[slicedstyrofoam]

guh… double rat…