The Amber Project: Self Harm and Depression
The Amber Project is a support group for young people (14-25) who have experienced self harm. My friend has spent a few weeks in The Amber Project and spoke to me about it so I could write this article to inform you about the project and mental health issues in general.
After a tough few years dealing with a lot of issues my friends turned to self harm as a way to solve her problems. After going through several counselors and being prescribed anti-depressants she was referred to The Amber Project.
I asked her a few questions to understand what The Amber Project does and how people treat those who self harm and suffer from depression.
What is it like having depression?
It affects everything you do and stops you from being yourself. Sometimes I go into a daydreaming state, but most of the time I just feel numb and void of emotions.
Why did you turn to self harm?
Cutting takes away the numbness for a little while and makes you feel some kind of emotion and lets you know you are still human.
How do you feel about the way people deal with people with depression?
A lot of people tend to brush it under the carpet or won’t talk about it. Trying to talk to people that don’t understand is difficult as they look at you funny or don’t know what to say. Stereotyping is horrible as people tend to label you as an emo if you cut yourself. People feel that people like me, who have depression, should fit into a category and most of the time we don’t. We are just normal people who have usually had to deal with a lot more than the average person.
What is The Amber Project?
The group I am part of is the musical theatre workshop, but they also have a youth club and do one to one counselling. This year the musical pantomime is Red Riding Hood; they take typical pantomimes and change them so the people in them learn to talk through everyday issues in a different way. The money raised from the pantomime goes to fund The Amber Project.
How is it different to other things you have done?
I’ve been going for a few weeks and it’s so refreshing to find others who feel the same way as I do, I feel normal and always welcome. The people are of the same age and they understand and don’t freak out when you talk about cutting and how you feel about life and other things. It’s different from other things I've been to as the people who volunteer are also going through problems of their own and are learning to help themselves through helping us. It is Christian organised and there are many ways to go through counselling with them. You can have one to one counselling like a more typical counselling session. Or you can also just have a coffee and a chat which is a lot less formal. There's no pressure to tell them everything and they will just listen. Also if you are having a bad day you can call the centre and let them know you just want to pop in for a chat.
How do you feel when you are there?
I feel relaxed, any problems I am dealing with go away for the few hours I am there and they aren’t on my mind. It’s also nice that if you can’t deal with the discussion you are free to leave the room and no-one will follow you and ask what’s wrong. They just accept that everyone needs some time out and some time to clear their head.
Would you recommend it?
Yes, I've felt like I had no support for the past two years until I went to The Amber Project. I’m not saying that everything will suddenly get better, but it makes you know you’re not alone. The people are down to earth and don’t patronise you.
The Process:
When you ask if you can join they will meet with you for an interview to decide what will suit you and in what ways they can support you. Then It goes from there!
If you have depression or self harm you are not alone!
If you feel that you need some support then contact The Amber Project.
Call 029 2034 4776 or 07905 905437.
Organisations » The Amber Project
Info » Health » Emotional and Mental Health » Self Harm
Info » Health » Emotional and Mental Health » Depression
1 Comment – Postiwch sylw
DeadAngelLover22
Rhoddwyd sylw 5 mis yn ôl - 12th December 2011 - 13:43pm
Great article, i was involved with The Amber project for a while myself, i ended up not going again because of some of the self harm i saw but when i was there it was a friendly inviroment and it deffinatly helped, i made friends and found it easier to talk about why i did what i did, you don't get told off and the girls who go even understand. I'd highly reccomend it myself :)