Embracing Lived Experience: User-Informed Care at Harmless
By Caroline Harroe (Harmless CEO) IntroductionHarmless is committed to providing user-informed care by embracing individuals with lived experience in our workforce. In this article, we will delve into our principled approach to integrating lived experience, clarifying that while we are not a peer support service, we carefully consider the resilience and well-being of our staff […]
Safety planning and risk assessment
By Caroline Harroe (Harmless CEO) Safety planning and risk assessment are two interventions used in mental health care, particularly in suicide prevention. Safety planning involves identifying strategies to reduce the risk of suicidal behaviours and developing safety measures to manage crises. On the other hand, risk assessment involves evaluating the likelihood of an individual engaging […]
The Importance of Maintaining Progress in Suicide Bereavement During a Cost of Living Crisis
By Caroline Harroe (Harmless CEO) Suicide is a complex issue that affects everyone around the person who has lost their life. Suicide bereavement is a difficult and complex journey that many families and loved ones experience. According to recent data by the UK Office for National Statistics, the number of suicides recorded in 2020 was […]
Autism and Mental Health
By Caroline Harroe (Harmless CEO) Autism and mental health are deeply intertwined, with research indicating high rates of co-occurring mental health conditions in individuals on the autism spectrum. Understanding these relationships is crucial for healthcare professionals to provide more effective support and interventions for autistic individuals. Barriers for Autistic Individuals in Mental HealthAutistic individuals can […]
Mental Health Awareness Month
By Caroline Harroe (Harmless CEO) May is Mental Health Awareness Month. This is an important time for society to reflect on the strides we have made in terms of understanding and discussing mental health. For decades, mental illnesses have been stigmatised, shamed and misunderstood. People have suffered in silence, feeling alone, isolated and unsupported. Fortunately, […]
When anti-stigma mental health campaigns go too far… Is it possible to cause harm whilst trying to achieve good?
By Caroline Harroe (Harmless CEO) When anti-stigma mental health campaigns go too far… Is it possible to cause harm whilst trying to achieve good? In brief, the short answer, is yes. While anti-stigma campaigning for mental health has gained momentum in recent years, it is important to acknowledge that there is a potential for over-pathologising […]
Lived Experience and Being a Leader
By Caroline Harroe (Harmless CEO) As a mental health leader, owning your own mental health experience can be a difficult and complex experience. On one hand, sharing your experiences can help reduce the stigma surrounding mental health and show others that it’s okay to seek help when needed. On the other hand, it can be […]
Harmless and its Values
By Caroline Harroe (Harmless CEO) Values are central to the work of Harmless because they guide the organisation’s mission and approach to supporting individuals who self harm and are at risk of suicide. Harmless is grounded in the values of compassion, respect, empowerment and collaboration. Compassion is at the heart of Harmless’ work, as the […]
Pathologising the Human Experience
By Caroline Harroe (Harmless CEO) In recent years, the use of mental health diagnoses has become increasingly prevalent in our everyday language. It is not uncommon to hear someone say they are ‘depressed’ or ‘anxious’ when feeling down or worried. Similarly, people may describe themselves as ‘a bit OCD’ if they like things to be […]
Language Matters: Stop Calling People Self Harmers
Language matters when discussing topics related to mental health and self-harm. It is importantto use person-centred language that gives emphasis to the individual as a whole, rather thanreducing them to a single behaviour or label. Using the term ‘self-harmer’ to describe an individual who engages in self harm can bestigmatising and reinforcing of negative stereotypes. […]