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Mental Health Resources

There are many local, state and national organizations set up to help people dealing with rape, self-mutilation, suicidal impulses, and other mental health issues. There have also been many books on each of these topics.
 

Three books I found particularly useful

A Bright Red Scream: Self-Mutilation and the Language of Pain by Marilee Strong. A powerful examination of self-harm.

Incest: A Family Pattern by Jean Revoize. An older but revealing look at this problem, covering psychological as well as overt physical incest.

Lucky: A Memoir by Alice Sebold. A moving memoir of rape by the author of The Lovely Bones.

Internet sites

www.selfinjury.org
American Self-Harm Injury Clearinghouse includes an overview of the behavior plus advice, links and phone numbers.

www.helpguide.org/mental/self_injury.htm
Another good site with information similar to the ASHIJ website.

http://apps.rainn.org/ohl-bridge/
RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) provides telephone and on-line counseling and referrals to local support organizations in any community

www.nami.org
National Alliance on Mental Illness. A comprehensive network of information and support on various mental illnesses. Considered by many to be “the” source. Advocates effectively for those with a wide range of mental illnesses.

Telephone numbers

Crisis support hotlines are often listed under Suicide Prevention but have volunteers trained to deal with any self-harm crisis.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 800-273-8255 provides counseling and referrals to local resources. Also at www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org

San Francisco Bay Area: BAWAR (Bay Area Women Against Rape): Provides counseling, and trained volunteers to accompany rape victims to hospitals, court appearances or the police. 510-845-7273