Is your life in danger

Your life matters

Trauma can have a huge impact on our mind, emotions and body. In our recovery, let's understand our body's physical reaction to trauma.

If you are at immediate risk of harm, from someone or yourself, please call emergency services if you can and if it’s safe for you.

While we don’t offer crisis support, we can help connect you to the kind of support service you need.

We’ve put together a directory of support services based all over the world for you to find more specific help.

Go to global directory

Get help near you.

Chayn works with a global collective of volunteers, many of whom are survivors. We are always growing and looking for new volunteers to join our team! Our volunteers are our greatest strength - they come up with ideas for projects, co-lead our governance, and contribute to our resources to make sure that they are survivor-centred and encompass diverse perspectives from around the world. Volunteers are core to our organisation, our strategy, and our success.Volunteering at Chayn is completely remote, and we welcome individuals from anywhere in the world.

If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, consider reaching out to a suicide prevention helpline in your country.

We know at times the pain we experience in life can feel like it is too much, and we may not know how to cope with this pain and how we feel, or even if we can cope. But when we feel like this, there are people, things and experiences out there that can help us process these feelings. Some of us have used resources from Mind, Samaritans and Metanoia to pull us out of our dark moments, and it may help you, too.

If you are able to, consider going to a doctor, psychologist, psychiatrist or therapist who can support you in this time.

If no one has been able to help, use these techniques to self-regulate.

A personal safety plan can help you deal with moments of crisis, whether you feel like harming yourself or know someone else who is at risk of doing the same. To deal with these feelings and make a plan for our mental and physical safety, we need to bring ourselves back into feelings of calmness. These are just some ideas that may work for you.

  • Do breathing and grounding exercises.
  • Practising meditation and mindfulness techniques. You can use apps like Headspace and Calm to help you, or there are lots of free videos on YouTube.
  • Write or draw out your feelings about life as it is, and reflect on happy moments. Only do this activity if you know this activity will not lead to ruminating on negative feelings.
  • If you’ve previously made a list of what stops you from harming yourself, this is the time to read it.
  • If being around people is comforting, meet with friends where you feel comfortable. You can also go to a cafe if you feel safe, or watch a comedy movie in a theatre. Being in a public place can also be a physical barrier to hurting yourself.
  • If possible and if you feel safe to do so, try some yoga, or get some fresh air, be it through a walk or just sitting outside in nature. Leave the room. Go for a walk. Do yoga. Notice nature and animals around you.
  • Talk to a family member, close friend, someone you feel you’re able to confide in, or a pet. Tell them how you want them to react to the things you say and how you feel. Help them be a good listener and support you.

If you’ve tried everything else…

Helplines and support services are always the best place to go to for support, but sometimes they may not give you all the help you need. If you need to, you can email us or get in touch through social media and we’ll do our best to help.

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