Woman Uses Powerful Photo to Send Message to Teens Who Self-Harm
Editor’s note: This piece includes graphic imagery that some may find upsetting.
Jordan Supple posted a photo on Facebook on Nov. 10 showing scars on her arm from years of self-harm. The 24-year-old had an equally powerful message to go along with the image.
“Warning for teenagers/young adults. Look at this photo; this is my arm, for the rest of my life,” Supple wrote. She went on to detail how her cutting had an impact on both her and her loved ones’ lives.
“So teenagers, please…if you are sitting there alone contemplating putting that razor to your body remember that these cuts will last a lifetime but the pain doesn’t,” she added in her Facebook post. “Talk to mum and dad, they might understand more than you think, find a cool teacher at school and have a chat. You’re never ever alone.”
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Warning for teenagers/young adults.Look at this photo; this is my arm, for the rest of my life.When I go to the…
Posted by Jordan Supple on Tuesday, November 10, 2015
Supple, from from New South Wales, Australia, told UK website Metro.com she’s since received hundreds of messages from people dealing with similar struggles. Her post has gotten more than 20,000 likes and 13,000 shares.
Supple became depressed around the age of 13, and after being hospitalized and working out a treatment plan that included medication and therapy, she finally learned how to handle stress. “My life now is good,” she told Metro. “I have a supportive family and friends. I feel positive about life and there is always hope for better and greater things.”
Oh hey! ?
Posted by Jordan Supple on Friday, June 19, 2015
“I wrote the post because I felt like teenagers needed some hope,” Supple concluded. “They have so many pressures these days and no one is speaking out about the issue. I wanted to give hope to those out there suffering and I really think I've achieved that.”
Read Supple’s message in its entirety below:
Warning for teenagers/young adults.
Look at this photo; this is my arm, for the rest of my life.
When I go to the register at the shops the check-out lady stares, meeting new people they see it, my potential new boss questions, my 4 year old niece asks why my arm is weird… walking through life now as a happy 24 year old I just wish I could tell my 13 year old self holding that razor that things do and WILL get better.
My mother shed tears as I was found bleeding on the bathroom floor, my mother watched as the doctors stitched my arms so many times… my families heart would break when I wouldn't take a jumper off on a 40 degree day because I couldn't show my arms.
I know being a teenager is hard, school sucks, parents are lame and it feels like no one understands but there are people that do understand and life has so much to give you.
So teenagers, please…if you are sitting there alone contemplating putting that razor to your body remember that these cuts will last a lifetime but the pain doesn't. Talk to mum and dad, they might understand more than you think, find a cool teacher at school and have a chat.
You're never ever alone.
Please share & like to get the message out there.
If you or someone you know needs help, see our suicide prevention resources.
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